The mediator Qatar announced on Monday that the humanitarian pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza will be extended by two days. The initial four-day truce was set to expire, but Qatar, with the support of the United States and Egypt, has been engaged in intense negotiations to establish and prolong the truce. The aim of the truce is to broaden and expand its scope.
As part of the truce, Hamas was expected to release 50 civilian hostages, including women and children. In return, Israel was set to release 150 Palestinian prisoners and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. During the first three days of the truce, 39 Israeli hostages were freed in exchange for 117 Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, 17 Thais, one Filipino, and one dual Russian-Israeli national were released by Hamas through negotiations led by Qatar.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in significant casualties. Israel claims that 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the attack, with around 240 more being taken hostage, including elderly people and children. In response, Israel launched a bombing campaign and ground offensive in Hamas-ruled Gaza, resulting in the deaths of 15,000 people, including thousands of children, according to the Hamas government.
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