The temporary truce between Israel and Hamas has been extended for a seventh day, as confirmed by the Israel Defense Forces on Thursday morning. Hamas also acknowledged the extension. This marks the second prolongation of the initial four-day truce that commenced last Friday. Under the agreement, 70 Israelis have returned, and during this pause, three dual-national Israeli citizens and 24 foreign nationals have been released outside the terms of the truce.
Talks regarding an extension of the current ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have reached an impasse, as per a statement from Hamas on Thursday. According to Hamas, Israel declined an offer to prolong the truce in exchange for the release of seven detained women and children, as well as the bodies of three deceased women or children whom Hamas alleges were killed by Israeli bombardment. The truce is scheduled to expire at 7 a.m. local time (midnight ET). The temporary truce
The Hamas military wing on Thursday asked its forces to maintain a high-combat readiness posture in the final hours of a truce with Israel in case it isn’t renewed.
The Al-Qassam Brigades said on Telegram that its fighters should remain in the high-combat readiness position unless an official statement is issued confirming the extension of the truce, which is set to expire at 7 a.m. local time (midnight ET).
Key mediator Qatar is “very optimistic” an extension will be announced, a foreign ministry spokesperson told CNN on Wednesday.