The ceasefire between Israel and the Islamist Hamas is extended. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Majid al-Ansari said on Monday that an agreement had been reached for two more days. The four-day ceasefire, which has been in place since Friday, was actually due to end on Tuesday morning. As part of the ceasefire, Hamas handed over another group of hostages (two mothers and nine children) to the Red Cross on Monday evening, the Israeli army said.
Israeli media previously reported, citing the Red Cross, that eleven Israeli hostages – two mothers and nine children – were on their way to Israel. According to Qatar, those released included three French nationals, two Germans and six Argentinians.
Six Thais are also expected to be released. Media reports had earlier said there were disagreements between Israel and Hamas over the list of names for the exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners planned for Monday. Apparently mothers should have been separated from their children.
Israel: Hamas continues to hold 184 hostages in the Gaza Strip
It is the fourth group of hostages to be released since the ceasefire began on Friday in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons. Earlier, 58 hostages were released. In exchange for the freed hostages, 117 Palestinians were released from prison. Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy said Monday that 184 hostages were still being held in the Gaza Strip. Of these, 14 are foreigners and 80 are Israelis with a second passport.
Armistice extended by two days
Hamas had previously confirmed that it had agreed to a two-day extension with Qatar and Egypt. A Hamas representative told Reuters news agency in a phone call that the same conditions as the previous ceasefire should apply. There was initially no statement from Israel. However, government spokesman Levy had previously stated that there was “a possibility” for an extension. However, a representative of the US – Israel’s main ally – said the ceasefire would be extended. No details were given.
UN general: a ceasefire will not be enough
According to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, the extended ceasefire in the Gaza war will not be enough to bring the needed aid to the Gaza Strip. The expansion is a “glitter of hope and humanity”. However, it is “dramatic” what the population needs there, he said on Monday. Guterres expressed hope that more border crossings can be opened. This would also make it easier for Israel to control deliveries. Currently, only one border crossing with Egypt is open.
US President Joe Biden expressed his gratitude to Israel, Qatar and Egypt for agreeing to the two-day extension. The pause is intended to allow for a “significant increase” in additional humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. “We are taking full advantage of the lull in the fight to increase humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip, and we will continue our efforts to build a future of peace and dignity for the Palestinian people,” Biden said in a statement .
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
