Israel and Hamas have agreed to prolong their ceasefire by an additional two days beyond the initial four-day period, as confirmed by the Qatari government. The announcement, shared by Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majid Al Ansary on X platform, coincided with the concluding day of the original truce. This extension raises the possibility of a more extended pause in the intense conflict, providing room for further negotiations involving the exchange of hostages held by militants for Palestinians incarcerated by Israel.
The Qatari government, in collaboration with the United States and Egypt, has played a pivotal role as a mediator throughout the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Israel has expressed its commitment to extending the ceasefire by one day for every ten additional hostages released. Following Qatar’s announcement, Hamas confirmed its acceptance of a two-day extension under the existing terms.
However, Israel maintains its determination to dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities and terminate its 16-year rule over Gaza, particularly in the aftermath of its October 7 attack into southern Israel. This stance suggests the possibility of an expansion of the ground offensive from the devastated northern Gaza to the southern region. In the south, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have sought refuge in United Nations shelters, grappling with dire conditions despite increased aid deliveries during the truce.
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