Amidst the conflict between Israel and Hamas, a humanitarian pause in the fighting has been prolonged for an additional day, with both sides agreeing to release more hostages.
The extension was agreed upon moments before the expiration of the week-long truce, as Hamas took a step toward continuing the ceasefire by presenting Tel Aviv with a new list of women and child hostages slated for release.
Previously, the Israeli government had signaled its intention to resume hostilities if Hamas failed to provide a fresh list of hostages.
Qatar, the mediator behind the truce, confirmed the extension of the ceasefire for another day. Majed Al Ansari, spokesman for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, affirmed that both Palestinian and Israeli sides had reached an accord to prolong the humanitarian pause in the Gaza Strip. This extension maintains the existing conditions: a halt to all military activities and the facilitation of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Read more:Delay in Hostage Liberation After Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Pact
Recent updates indicate that approximately 100 hostages have been released thus far, alongside the liberation of 180 Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, trucks transporting crucial humanitarian aid, medical supplies, and fuel have been permitted entry into Gaza.
This ceasefire extension, which was initially set for four days, halted the relentless bombing campaign that had persisted for six weeks.
Israel had previously aimed to quell Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, following last month’s assault, which resulted in over 1,000 casualties and the capture of 240 hostages.
