Israel-Hamas Truce Extended, Efforts On To Free More Hostages

The truce between Israel and Hamas was extended by one more day on Thursday.

Israel and Hamas extend Gaza truce by one day

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The truce between Israel and Hamas was extended by a day on Thursday after the two parties exchanged sixth batch of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, reported AFP. The annoucement was made by both the sides moments before the deal was due to expire, 10 minutes, to be precise, reported Al Jazeera. 

The initial four-day truce which began on Friday last week was extended for two day on Monday but this time, it has been agreed for just 24 hours. 

"The operational pause will continue in light of the mediators' efforts to continue the process of releasing the hostages and subject to the terms of the framework," said the Israeli Defence Forces in a post on X. 

The development was confirmed by mediator Qatar stating that both the sides "reached an agreement to extend the humanitarian truce in the Gaza Strip for an additional day under the same previous conditions, which are a ceasefire and the entry of humanitarian aid."  

Hamas also said that there was an agreement to "extend the truce for a seventh day," without further details.

Following the extension of the truce, Israel said received a new list of hostages to be released. 

“A short time ago, Israel was given a list of women and children in accordance with the terms of the agreement, and therefore the truce will continue,” the Israeli prime minister’s office said in a statement, adding that the families concerned have been notified. 

The number of hostages to be released was not specified. 

US State Secretary Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv on Thursday as mediators US, Qatar, and Egypt focus their efforts to prolong the pause in fighting. 

On Wendnesday, Israel and Hamas exchanged sixth batch of captives. Hamas released 16 hostages from the Gaza Strip while Israel freed 30 Palestinian prisoners.