An agreement has been reached to extend the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas by one more day

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, set to expire, was extended on Thursday, as announced by both parties. Qatar, mediating the talks, confirmed the extension would last for one more day, under the same conditions that previously facilitated the exchange of hostages for prisoners.

Israel’s military, minutes before the ceasefire was due to end at 0500 GMT, declared its prolongation, contingent on ongoing efforts to release hostages.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s office also verified the extension, acknowledging the receipt of a new list of hostages, including women and children, in line with the truce agreement, though the exact number of captives to be released wasn’t specified.

Hamas agreed to extend the ceasefire for an additional day. This came after an initial hesitation from Israel to prolong the truce, despite Hamas’ offer to release seven hostages and three bodies.

Qatar, leading the ceasefire negotiations with the support of Egypt and the U.S., affirmed the one-day extension under unchanged conditions.

This development occurred following U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s arrival in Israel on Wednesday night and amid mounting calls for extending the pause.

The ceasefire brought a temporary halt to the hostilities that began on October 7, when Hamas militants infiltrated Israel’s border, resulting in 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and about 240 kidnappings, as per Israeli reports.

Israel’s response was an intensive air and ground military campaign targeting Hamas, which, according to Hamas authorities, resulted in nearly 15,000 fatalities, predominantly civilians, in Gaza, and significant destruction in northern parts of the territory.

The truce terms allow for extensions if Hamas releases an additional 10 hostages daily. However, readiness to resume hostilities was expressed by both sides.

Hamas’s armed wing directed its fighters to stay on high alert for a potential return to combat if the ceasefire was not renewed. Conversely, Israeli army spokesperson Doron Spielman stated that Israeli troops would promptly resume operations in Gaza if the truce lapsed.

Under the truce terms, 10 more Israeli hostages were recently freed, along with four Thai hostages and two Israeli-Russian women released outside the agreement framework.

Hamas released footage showing the handover of hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross. Among the freed was Liat Beinin, an American citizen and employee at Israel’s Yad Vashem Holocaust museum.

U.S. President Joe Biden expressed deep satisfaction with the release, praising the effectiveness of the ceasefire.

Meanwhile, 30 Palestinian prisoners were released, including renowned activist Ahed Tamimi, as part of the truce. Since November 24, 70 Israeli hostages have been exchanged for 210 Palestinian prisoners, with additional foreigners being released outside the agreement’s terms.

Despite the temporary ceasefire, calls for a more sustained halt in hostilities are increasing. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged for a genuine humanitarian ceasefire, highlighting the severe crisis in Gaza.

China, through its top diplomat Wang Yi, also advocated for an immediate and enduring humanitarian truce at the UN Security Council talks in New York.

The hostage releases have evoked mixed emotions, with families anxiously awaiting news each night. In one instance, four-year-old Abigail was found alive after escaping from under her father’s body, killed by militants.

Israel is also investigating Hamas’s claim that an Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed a 10-month-old baby, his four-year-old brother, and their mother.

The relentless bombardment of Gaza before the truce forced approximately 1.7 million people, nearly 80% of Gaza’s population, to flee their homes, creating dire conditions and the risk of famine. Several hospitals in northern Gaza were targeted, leading to additional casualties.

Upon returning home, many found nothing left, as was the case for 46-year-old Taghrid al-Najjar from southeastern Gaza.

Violence has also escalated in the West Bank since October 7, with nearly 240 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces or settlers, surpassing last year’s total death toll in the conflict.

Recent incidents include the deaths of an eight-year-old boy and a teenager, with Israel responding to explosive attacks against its troops. Additionally, a shooting in Jerusalem resulted in two fatalities and eight injuries, with the perpetrators neutralized by police.