Washington says its “bridge” plan aims to extend the ceasefire in Gaza into April, beyond Ramadan and Passover, Al Jazeera reports.

It allows for time to negotiate a permanent cessation of hostilities, the White House also said in a statement.

The proposal was presented on Wednesday by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and National Security Council official Eric Trager, according to a statement issued by their offices.

“Through our Qatari and Egyptian partners, Hamas was told in no uncertain terms that this ‘bridge’ would have to be implemented soon — and that dual US-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander would have to be released immediately,” it added.