Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed on Monday that the truce between Israeli forces and Hamas in the Gaza Strip has been extended for an additional two days.
This extension follows the release of a fourth group of hostages, with both Israel and Hamas providing lists of individuals for exchange.
The potential release of 20 to 40 more Israeli hostages by Hamas could further extend the temporary cease-fire, as per the agreement brokered by Qatar.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed openness to an extension, but also asserted that the conflict would persist until Hamas is dismantled. U.S.
President Joe Biden pledged to work towards extending the truce, emphasizing the goal of freeing more hostages and delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
However, expectations for a prolonged pause were tempered by U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Qatari officials, citing challenges in locating all abducted hostages held by various groups.
