Gaza ceasefire prolonged by two days, affirmed by Qatar and Hamas: Analysis

A humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will be extended by two days, according to Qatar and Hamas. The initial four-day truce in Gaza was scheduled to expire, but an agreement has been reached to extend it. Qatar, the United States, and Egypt have been involved in negotiations to establish and extend the ceasefire. The original truce was intended to secure the release of 50 civilian hostages held by Hamas, in exchange for the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners by Israel and the entry of more humanitarian aid into Gaza. A Hamas official has expressed hope that the truce can be further extended, stating that additional hostages are expected to be released. During the first three days of the truce, 39 Israeli captives were released by Hamas, along with hostages from other countries. Hamas had seized around 240 hostages during an attack in southern Israel, prompting Israeli airstrikes and a ground offensive in Gaza. The extension of the ceasefire has been welcomed by the White House and the United Nations, although the UN has cautioned that the additional time will not be sufficient to meet all the humanitarian needs in Gaza. Hamas has received a list of prisoners to be released in exchange for Israeli captives, including female prisoners and children. The prime minister’s office in Israel has informed families of the identities of the captives to be released.

Source: Aljazeera news: Gaza truce extended by two days, Qatar and Hamas say