Release of Hostages Prompts Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Extension in Gaza

Israel and Hamas Agree to Extend Truce as Ceasefire Deadline Approaches

Israel and Hamas have announced that the truce between them will continue, just moments before the ceasefire was set to expire. However, the details of any official agreement are still unclear. Israel’s military stated that the “operational pause” would be extended, without specifying for how long, while Hamas confirmed that there was an agreement to “extend the truce for a seventh day.” Qatar, which has been leading the truce negotiations, also confirmed that the pause had been extended until Friday.

The extension of the truce comes amid pressure to allow for more hostage releases and the delivery of additional aid to Gaza, which has been devastated by the conflict. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel for talks on Wednesday night, adding to the diplomatic efforts to secure a more lasting ceasefire. The truce has temporarily halted the fighting that began on October 7, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli authorities. Hamas officials claim that Israel’s subsequent air and ground campaign in Gaza has killed nearly 15,000 people, mostly civilians, and caused extensive damage to the territory.

With just an hour remaining before the truce was set to expire, Hamas revealed that its offer to release seven more hostages and hand over the bodies of three individuals killed in Israeli bombardment had been refused. Both sides had previously indicated that they were ready to resume fighting if the truce ended. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman warned that troops would quickly resume their operations in Gaza if the truce expired.

As part of the ongoing hostage swap, ten more Israeli hostages were freed overnight, bringing the total number of released hostages to 70. In return, 210 Palestinian prisoners have been released. However, there are growing calls for a more sustained pause in the fighting, with demands for a true humanitarian ceasefire. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and China have both called for an immediate and sustained humanitarian truce.

The truce has provided a brief respite for those affected by the conflict, but the situation in Gaza remains dire. The World Food Programme warns of a high risk of famine, and conditions in the territory are described as catastrophic. Many homes and vital infrastructure have been destroyed, leaving the population in a state of devastation and uncertainty.

The violence in Gaza has also had repercussions in the West Bank, where tensions have escalated, resulting in the deaths of nearly 240 Palestinians since October 7. The situation remains tense, with recent incidents involving explosive devices being hurled at Israeli troops.

(Note: This article has been rewritten and condensed for clarity and brevity. The original article can be found at the source provided.)