Israel and Hamas must reach an agreement on an extension of the truce in Gaza, which is just hours away from ending
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Israel and Hamas are close to reaching an agreement on an extension of the Gaza truce agreement, which is just hours away.
According to Reuters, Egyptian, Qatari and American negotiators are still debating the length of the extension and which prisoners would be released under it, three Egyptian security sources said.
The Palestinian group Hamas previously stated it sought a four-day extension, while Israel wanted daily extensions, continuing negotiations over which Palestinian prisoners would be released, the sources said.
A statement released last night by Hamas called for “an extension of the truce after the completion of the four-day period, through serious efforts to increase the number of people released from captivity, as stipulated in the humanitarian ceasefire agreement.”
The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas lasted last night, when the Palestinian group released 17 more hostages from captivity in the Gaza Strip – including 14 Israelis and the first American – while Tel-Aviv, in turn, handed over 39 prisoners Palestinians.
This prisoner exchange, the third in a largely successful four-day truce, gave rise to wild scenes of total jubilation on both sides.
A fourth exchange is expected today, during which a total of 50 hostages and 150 Palestinian prisoners will be released.
International mediators led by the US, Egypt and Qatar are now trying to extend the ceasefire that began on Friday to allow for the exchange of more hostages, as war-weary Gazans seek further relief from the Israeli bombs.
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Source: www.lindaikejisblog.com