Gaza City – Officials have confirmed the extension of the truce that facilitated the return of 50 Israeli women and children, along with numerous other nationals, from captivity in Gaza. The initial four-day pause, marked by intense negotiations, concluded successfully after a late-night release of captives, prompting a two-day extension.
On Monday, Hamas released eleven Israelis, as reported by the Red Cross and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), bringing the total number of freed hostages to 69. Additionally, 33 Palestinian prisoners were released, making the overall tally of Palestinian women and children liberated from Israeli prisons during the truce reach 150. The extension of the truce also allowed several dozen truckloads of aid to reach the besieged enclave, providing a much-needed respite for Palestinians in the midst of nearly two months of conflict.
Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed Al-Ansari, confirmed the truce extension in a statement posted on X, garnering swift positive reactions from leaders in Israel and the United States. The continuation of the truce offers a glimpse of hope for sustained relief and ongoing diplomatic efforts in the region.
