The pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas was extended at the last minute this morning. A few minutes before the agreement was due to expire, the parties agreed to continue the ceasefire for at least one day longer. If this had not been achieved before 7 a.m. (6 a.m. Dutch time), Israel and Hamas said they would have resumed the fighting.
According to Qatar, which is mediating the negotiations, Israel and Hamas have not changed the terms of the fighting pause. This means that Hamas will again release ten Israeli hostages today. In return, Israel has agreed to release thirty Palestinian prisoners. Meanwhile, humanitarian aid is allowed into the Gaza Strip.
Negotiations on extending the pause in fighting have become increasingly difficult in recent days. So far, Hamas has only released female or minor hostages. Hamas is expected to impose stricter requirements for the release of men and soldiers.
Israel has consistently said the ceasefire is temporary. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is under great pressure at home to free the hostages, but at the same time wants to fight Hamas. As soon as the Palestinian militant movement stops releasing hostages, the Israeli army wants to resume the fight, this time probably also in the south of the Gaza Strip.
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is now entering its seventh day. So far, the deal has resulted in the release of 70 Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of 210 Palestinian prisoners. Outside the agreement, three Israelis with dual nationality and 24 foreigners were also released. Israel believes that Hamas is still holding about one hundred and fifty people hostage.
Pepin the Tall
2023-11-30 13:07:30
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