Qatar announced on Monday that the humanitarian pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas will be extended by an additional two days in the Gaza Strip. The extension comes as the initial four-day truce was set to expire,Daily Trust reports.
Qatar, supported by the United States and Egypt, has been actively mediating and negotiating to establish and prolong the truce. The agreement includes the release of 50 civilian hostages, mainly women and children, by Hamas. In return, Israel was expected to release 150 Palestinian prisoners, and humanitarian aid would be allowed into Gaza.
The negotiations, facilitated by the Gulf state, also led to the release of 17 Thais, one Filipino, and one dual Russian-Israeli national by Palestinian militants.
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This development follows the deadliest attack in Israel’s history on October 7, prompting a series of actions, including a bombing campaign and ground offensive by Israel in Hamas-ruled Gaza. The casualty figures and the number of people taken hostage remain sources of contention between the two sides.
