**Ceasefire Extension: Israel and Hamas Negotiations Continue**
In a bid to pursue ongoing negotiations, Israel and Hamas have agreed to extend their ceasefire by an additional day. The truce, initiated on Friday, has facilitated the delivery of crucial humanitarian aid into Gaza, addressing urgent needs arising from Israel's response to a deadly Hamas-led incident on October 7.
Conditions of the ceasefire, encompassing the cessation of hostilities and the unimpeded entry of humanitarian assistance, remain unchanged. Qatar, playing a pivotal role as a mediator, expresses optimism about the potential for a prolonged ceasefire.
The extension, confirmed by Hamas' military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, raises expectations for further developments, including potential exchanges of hostages held by militants for Palestinians incarcerated by Israel. Notably, Israel has committed to extending the ceasefire incrementally for every 10 additional hostages released.
Despite the ceasefire, an incident in Jerusalem resulted in six people being wounded in a shooting attack. Talks on extending the current ceasefire faced challenges, with Hamas rejecting an offer tied to the release of detainees and the return of bodies claimed to be victims of Israeli bombardment.
The situation remains dynamic, with the extension providing hope for a more sustained pause in the deadliest and most destructive conflict between the two parties.