Israel and Hamas have reached an settlement to increase the momentary cease-fire in Gaza for a seventh day, the Qatari authorities introduced early Thursday.
Majed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s overseas ministry, stated in a press release that the cease-fire would proceed for a minimum of another day below the identical parameters as the continuing settlement, which sees Hamas free a gaggle of hostages, Israel launch Palestinian prisoners, and a number of other hundred humanitarian support vehicles enter Gaza.
In a put up to social media Thursday morning, Israel Protection Forces stated that, given ongoing mediation efforts in the direction of the potential launch of extra Hamas-held hostages, the “operational pause” within the combating in Gaza would proceed.
Through the cease-fire, Israeli intelligence has been receiving a each day checklist of the names of the hostages who’re anticipated to be launched in every group previous to their handover. In its personal assertion, the workplace of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that its battle cupboard got here to a unanimous determination Wednesday night time that combating would “be resumed instantly” if it was not given such a listing on Thursday.
Nonetheless, the prime minister’s workplace stated that it was supplied a “checklist of girls and youngsters” in accordance with the phrases of the settlement, and due to this fact the truce will proceed.”
The short-term cease-fire between the 2 sides started Nov. 24. It was initially slated for 4 days, however was prolonged for an additional two. It was set to run out at 7 a.m. native time Thursday earlier than being prolonged once more for a seventh day.
Frantic talks had been held in Doha Wednesday in an effort to attempt to lengthen the pause, with each Israel and Hamas indicating they’d be open to a different deal.
Beneath the present association, about three Palestinian prisoners are being launched within the West Financial institution for each one hostage freed. The hostages launched to date have solely been girls and youngsters, however it’s potential that males could possibly be included in a future deal.
Qatari, Egyptian and U.S. mediators had been assembly in Doha to assist negotiate a continued pause in hostilities and launch of the hostages.
Sixteen hostages, together with an American girl, had been freed by Hamas Wednesday, bringing the overall variety of Hamas-held hostages launched because the cease-fire started to about 100. Some 210 Palestinians have been launched from Israeli prisons in return.
It is a creating story and shall be up to date.
— Haley Ott and Margaret Brennan contributed to this report.