Israel-Hamas truce extended by two more days, Qatar, Hamas say

Israel and Hamas have agreed to extend their cease-fire for two more days past Monday, as stated by the Qatari government. This development increases the likelihood of an extended pause in their intense and destructive war. The announcement, disclosed by Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majid Al Ansary in a post on X, was declared on the concluding day of the initial four-day truce. The announcement preceded the anticipated fourth swap of hostages for prisoners on the same day. Qatar, alongside the United States and Egypt, has played a crucial role as a mediator in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Israel has previously stated that it would extend the cease-fire by one day for every 10 additional hostages released. Following the Qatari announcement, Hamas confirmed its agreement to a two-day extension “under the same terms.” Despite this extension, Israel maintains its commitment to crushing Hamas’ military capabilities and terminating its 16-year rule over Gaza since the October 7 attack into southern Israel. This commitment could lead to an expansion of the ground offensive from the devastated northern Gaza to the south, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians seek refuge in United Nations shelters amid challenging conditions, despite increased aid deliveries during the truce. Government spokesperson Eylon Levy stated that Israel would resume operations with “full force” once the current deal expires if Hamas does not agree to additional hostage releases. The ultimate goal is to eliminate the group and secure the release of the remaining captives. So far, 58 hostages have been released during the current truce, including 39 Israelis. Before the truce, four hostages were freed, another rescued and two were found dead inside Gaza, reported AP. After weeks of national trauma over the around 240 people abducted by Hamas and other militants, scenes of the women and children reuniting with families have rallied Israelis behind calls to return those who remain in captivity. “We can get all hostages back home. We have to keep pushing,” two relatives of Abigail Edan, a 4-year-old girl and dual Israeli-American citizen who was released Sunday, said in a statement. Hamas and other militants could still be holding up to 175 hostages, enough to potentially extend the cease-fire for two and a half weeks. But those include a number of soldiers, and the militants are likely to make much greater demands for their release. With inputs from agencies