The Israeli government has agreed to a US proposal to extend the Gaza ceasefire by six weeks in observance of Ramadan and Passover. However, Hamas has yet to respond, according to international media reports.  

Muslims worldwide have begun fasting for Ramadan, while the Jewish festival of Passover is set to be observed next month. The decision was announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office shortly after the first phase of the previously agreed ceasefire ended at midnight on Saturday, as reported by the BBC. The initial ceasefire had been in place since January 19.  

Netanyahu's office endorsed the US proposal following a four-hour meeting, the BBC report says. According to CNN, the proposed extension includes the release of half of the remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza, both living and deceased. 

“On the first day of the framework, half of the living and deceased hostages will be released, and upon its conclusion—if agreement is reached on a permanent ceasefire—the remaining hostages will be released,” reads the US proposal.  

However, Hamas has yet to provide an official response. On Saturday, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem rejected the proposed extension, claiming it would not lead to further progress. He accused Israel of attempting to secure the release of its captives while keeping the option to resume military action in Gaza.  

“We cannot accept the extension the way Israel wants,” Qassem told CNN.  

Netanyahu's office stated that Hamas “has so far refused” to support the US plan, but negotiations could begin immediately if the group changed its stance. 

The BBC reported that the proposal allows Israel to resume military operations after 42 days if deemed necessary.  

Last month’s ceasefire marked the end of 15 months of fighting, leading to the exchange of 33 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, according to Reuters.