
Hamas Agrees to Release Hostages in Exchange for Ceasefire Extension
In a significant development in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Hamas has reportedly agreed to release some living hostages in exchange for an extension of the ceasefire's first phase. This agreement comes amid direct talks between the U.S. and Hamas, facilitated by Qatar, marking a notable shift in the negotiation dynamics.
According to sources cited in Haaretz, Qatar's strategic maneuver has been crucial in bringing the two parties to the negotiation table. The U.S. has been directly involved in these discussions, indicating a more hands-on approach to resolving the hostage situation. Politico reports highlight the complexity of these ceasefire talks, which have been a focal point of international attention.
Amid these negotiations, Israel continues its military operations in Gaza, with recent reports from Al Jazeera indicating that Israel killed two individuals in North Gaza and maintains a blockade on all aid entering the region. The Times of Israel live blog further detailed the terms of the hostage release in relation to the ceasefire extension, emphasizing the delicate balance being sought to achieve peace.