The Israel-Hamas truce has been extended for a seventh day
Israel and Hamas have extended their ceasefire in Gaza for an additional day, with the truce now set to end on Friday. Qatar has been leading the international efforts to mediate the extension, which was confirmed just before the existing ceasefire was to expire.
According to Qatar's Foreign Ministry, the conditions of the ceasefire remain unchanged military actions will cease, and a prisoner exchange will proceed, with three Palestinian prisoners released for each hostage held by Hamas. Humanitarian aid will also continue to enter Gaza.
A senior Israeli official indicated Israel's willingness to prolong the ceasefire daily, contingent upon Hamas's release of ten Israeli hostages each day. Mark Regev, advisor to the Israeli Prime Minister, emphasized the need to pressure Hamas to uphold their part of the deal for the ceasefire to persist.
If Hamas does not release the ten Israelis as stipulated, Israel warns that hostilities may recommence. There are reportedly at least 140 hostages still in Gaza.
Regarding the West Bank incident where two children were reportedly killed, Regev did not provide specifics but mentioned Israeli forces' active measures against what he referred to as terrorism.
The Hamas military instructed its forces to stay prepared for combat unless the ceasefire's extension is officially announced, signaling uncertainty over the truce's durability.