Israel backs US proposal to extend first phase of ceasefire; Hamas wants second phase

CAIRO —  Israel’s government said early Sunday it supports a proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza through Ramadan and Passover. Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, has insisted on negotiating the truce’s second phase instead. The statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office came minutes after the first phase ended and as talks have begun on starting the second phase. The second phase is aimed at ending the war and seeing all remaining living hostages in Gaza returned home. The statement gives new details on what Israel described as a U.S. proposal: A ceasefire extension through

Read Full Article