Terrorist eliminated in Israeli UAV strike in northern Gaza 

Arab media outlets reported that at least one terrorist was killed and several others were injured, including one seriously, in an Israeli drone strike east of Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza.

Shortly after the ceasefire officially ended, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced that Israel would adopt the U.S.-proposed plan to extend the ceasefire over Ramadan and Passover, during which half of the hostages would be released.

According to the statement, the first phase of the agreement stipulates that, on the first day of the ceasefire’s implementation, half of the hostages—both living and deceased—will be released. Additionally, if negotiations lead to a permanent ceasefire, the remaining hostages will also be freed. However, Hamas has rejected the proposal.

The plan was put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff. Reports indicate that Witkoff suggested the ceasefire extension after assessing that no immediate resolution to the conflict was possible and that additional time was necessary for negotiations on a permanent ceasefire.

The Israeli government’s statement also emphasized that military operations could resume if necessary. "While Hamas has repeatedly violated previous agreements, Israel has not," the statement read. "Under the agreement, Israel reserves the right to return to combat after the 42nd day if it determines that negotiations are not yielding results." This provision was reinforced by a supporting letter from the previous U.S. administration and reaffirmed by the Trump administration.

Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi rejected the proposal, accusing Israel of repeatedly evading its commitments. "This ongoing manipulation will not return the hostages to their families; on the contrary, it will prolong their suffering and put their lives at risk," he stated.

Mardawi further insisted that the only way to fully implement the agreement is to proceed with the second phase of the deal, which demands a permanent ceasefire, a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, the reconstruction of Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

Meanwhile, the Israeli government is set to approve an extension and expansion of the emergency order authorizing large-scale reserve duty mobilization. The previous order, which expires today, allowed the conscription of up to 320,000 reservists. The new order will increase this number to 400,000, permitting mobilization through "Order 8" until the end of May 2025.