In a 12th-hour decision, Israel and the militant group Hamas have agreed to extend the existing truce through Thursday, facilitating the continued release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. The announcement, mediated by Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, came just minutes before the initial truce was set to expire.
Under the terms of the extension, which align with the conditions of the original truce, Hamas commits to releasing 10 Israeli hostages per day, reciprocated by the release of 30 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the extension, emphasizing that it is contingent on ongoing mediation efforts and adherence to the established framework.
“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,” stated the IDF on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Israel clarified that the truce can be extended as long as Hamas continues to agree to release hostages. However, the government asserted its readiness to resume military operations if the militant group decides to cease the releases.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken returned to Israel for the third time since the conflict erupted on Oct. 7, aiming to negotiate an extension of the Gaza cease-fire. Speaking alongside Israeli President Issac Herzog, Blinken expressed the U.S.’s relentless focus on securing the release of hostages from Gaza and highlighted the positive developments in recent days.
“From day one, we have been focused relentlessly on trying to secure the release of hostages from Gaza, from Hamas. And we have seen over the last week the very positive development of hostages coming home, being reunited with their families, and that should continue today,” said Blinken, noting that the truce is producing results in terms of releasing hostages and providing humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Negotiations between Israel and Hamas reportedly face challenges as the militant group has already released most of the women and children held captive. Hamas signals potential demands for further concessions in exchange for releasing male hostages, including soldiers.
In the latest wave of releases, Hamas freed 14 hostages, including a second American citizen, bringing the total number of Israelis, including dual nationals, and foreign nationals released during the truce to 73 and 24, respectively.
Since the surprise attack on Oct. 7, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 Israelis and the capture of 240 by Hamas, Israel has targeted the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, a terror attack unfolded near Jerusalem on Thursday, with two gunmen opening fire on people waiting for buses. At least three people were reported killed in what Herzog termed “a serious terror attack.” The situation remains complex as negotiations continue amidst regional tensions.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
