Amidst the looming ceasefire deadline, Israel and Hamas have agreed to extend the truce for an additional day. The decision comes just minutes before the cessation of hostilities was set to expire at 0500 GMT.
Israel’s military confirmed the extension, citing ongoing mediator efforts to facilitate the release of hostages and the receipt of a new list, including women and children, in accordance with the agreement’s terms. While the exact number of captives to be freed remains unspecified, both parties have committed to continuing the operational pause. Hamas had earlier stated that Israel initially resisted prolonging the truce, despite offering to surrender seven hostages and the bodies of three individuals.
The extension marks the seventh day of the truce, with details surrounding the agreement yet to be fully disclosed.
