Egypt Receives Positive Signals for Extension of Gaza Truce
Cairo, Egypt: Hamas is expected to release a second group of Israelis on Saturday as part of a deal to exchange 50 hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Egypt has indicated that the four-day truce could be extended by one or two days.
According to an Israeli military spokesman, 13 Israeli hostages are expected to be freed on Saturday, while 39 Palestinian prisoners will be released in return. Egyptian security sources have confirmed that they have received the names of 14 Israeli women and children from Hamas and are waiting for more details.
Egypt, which controls the Rafah border crossing through which vital aid has resumed passing into the Gaza Strip, has received “positive signals” from all parties regarding a possible extension of the truce agreement.
Diaa Rashwan, the head of Egypt’s State Information Service, has stated that Cairo is holding extensive talks with all parties to reach an agreement that would lead to the release of more detainees in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
Under the current deal, a total of 50 hostages are set to be exchanged for 150 Palestinian prisoners over four days. The first exchange took place on Friday.
Among the Israelis freed on Friday was nine-year-old Ohad Munder, who ran into his father’s open arms at a hospital in Israel. Hamas fighters also freed a total of 24 hostages, including 10 Thai farm workers and a Filipino.
Both sides have acknowledged that hostilities will resume once the truce ends, but there is a possibility of extending the truce, according to U.S. President Joe Biden.
Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas following their attack on Israeli communities and the kidnapping of hostages. Since then, Israel has launched airstrikes on Gaza, resulting in the death of approximately 14,000 people, including many children.
The temporary truce has allowed aid trucks to enter the Gaza Strip, providing essential supplies to the population. However, Palestinians continue to suffer from acute fuel shortages due to Israel’s blockade of the enclave.
While the truce has brought some relief, many Palestinians remain skeptical and are calling for a permanent solution to the conflict.
Thailand has welcomed the release of 10 of its nationals from Gaza and is still working to secure the release of 20 more. Iran has claimed to have facilitated the release of the Thai hostages.
Despite the joy of being reunited with loved ones, bitterness remains among Palestinian families due to Israeli police raids on their homes prior to the prisoners’ release.
As the truce continues, the hope for a lasting peace and a solution to the conflict remains uncertain.
