Israel and Hamas have agreed to extend their truce for two additional days, mediated by Qatar. The extension follows a potential disagreement over the lists of hostages to be released. The initial deal involved Hamas releasing 50 women and children taken hostage, and Israel freeing 150 women and minors. Both sides signaled willingness to prolong the truce for additional hostage exchanges.
The extension includes releasing 10 women and children daily in Gaza in exchange for 30 Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. The terms of the current cease-fire, such as humanitarian aid entry into Gaza, will continue during the extension. Israel's Prime Minister has expressed openness to the truce extension but intends to resume fighting afterward to "eliminate" Hamas. So far, 39 Israeli hostages and 117 Palestinian prisoners have been released. The cease-fire marks the longest break in fighting since Oct. 7, when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, resulting in casualties and hostages.
The extension includes releasing 10 women and children daily in Gaza in exchange for 30 Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. The terms of the current cease-fire, such as humanitarian aid entry into Gaza, will continue during the extension. Israel's Prime Minister has expressed openness to the truce extension but intends to resume fighting afterward to "eliminate" Hamas. So far, 39 Israeli hostages and 117 Palestinian prisoners have been released. The cease-fire marks the longest break in fighting since Oct. 7, when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, resulting in casualties and hostages.