Hamas is considering a four-day extension to the current ceasefire

Hamas has expressed readiness to prolong the ceasefire for an additional four days and is prepared to release more Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian detainees, according to a source close to the organization, as reported on Wednesday. This development comes as the current truce, which paused hostilities for six days, is set to end early Thursday following Hamas-initiated attacks that led to an extensive Israeli military response in the Gaza Strip.

Already, 60 Israeli captives and 180 Palestinian prisoners have been released under the existing truce, with more anticipated to be freed on Wednesday. Qatari mediators, key in these negotiations, are striving for a durable ceasefire.

Hamas, on Wednesday, communicated to the mediators its willingness to extend the ceasefire, a source informed AFP anonymously. This extension would enable the release of additional Israeli prisoners held by Hamas and other groups, as per the terms of the current truce.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majed Al Ansari, emphasized in a Doha press conference the goal of achieving a sustainable truce leading to further talks and ultimately ending the conflict. Additional sources told AFP that the discussions are aimed at building upon the current humanitarian pause and initiating further dialogue about a potential long-term agreement.

Israel has responded positively to the recent release of captives and has agreed to maintain the truce on the condition of continued prisoner releases. However, Israel’s broader objective of dismantling Hamas, which has governed Gaza for 16 years, remains challenging.

Despite weeks of intense aerial and ground assaults that have devastated northern Gaza and resulted in numerous Palestinian casualties, Hamas’ governance appears largely unaffected. This is evidenced by its capability to engage in complex negotiations, manage the ceasefire, and orchestrate prisoner releases.

Hamas’ leadership, including Yehya Sinwar, is believed to have relocated to southern Gaza, where numerous displaced Palestinians have sought refuge. A potential Israeli ground operation in the south could target Hamas leaders and their infrastructure, but this would result in significant Palestinian casualties and destruction, a prospect the United States, Israel’s main ally, seems reluctant to support.

The Biden administration has advised Israel to exercise greater precision in its military operations, especially in the south. The push for a lasting ceasefire is gaining international momentum, with high-level diplomatic activities underway to extend the truce and facilitate more hostage releases.

CIA Director William Burns and Mossad Chief David Barnea have been in Qatar for discussions, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to visit the region to advocate for an extended truce.

The conflict, which escalated following Hamas’ attack into southern Israel on October 7, has led to significant Israeli and Palestinian casualties. Israel’s response involved a comprehensive air campaign and a ground invasion in northern Gaza. The conflict has garnered widespread attention and concern, with global calls for a sustainable ceasefire and the protection of civilians in compliance with international law.