The current truce in the conflict between Israel and Hamas has been prolonged by an additional day, as announced by Qatar, the acting mediator. This extension was declared just as the previous truce was nearing its conclusion.
Following this announcement, Hamas proceeded to release two Israeli women who had been held captive, as confirmed by the Israeli military.
Israel had stipulated that the truce would be extended by one day for every ten militants released. This ceasefire, initially starting on November 24 and intended to end on Monday, has temporarily halted the most severe conflict in years between Israel and the Palestinians.
Israel has expressed its determination to continue the conflict in order to overthrow Hamas’ 16-year governance in Gaza. Despite this, Israel faces growing global pressure to avoid a destructive ground offensive in southern Gaza, similar to the one that ravaged much of the north.
Around 240 hostages were taken by Hamas during an attack on October 7 in southern Israel, sparking the war. The Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza reports over 13,300 Palestinian fatalities since the war’s onset, without distinguishing between civilians and combatants. In Israel, approximately 1,200 people have lost their lives, mainly in the initial Hamas incursion.
Key developments in the conflict:
- The Israeli military announced the release of two Israeli hostages from Gaza.
- The Red Cross facilitated the transfer of these women to Israeli forces.
- This release is part of a larger group of Israeli hostages expected to be freed as part of the ceasefire’s latest extension, with Israel planning to release about 30 Palestinian prisoners.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Israeli leaders to adhere to international law in their conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Blinken emphasized the necessity for Israel to minimize civilian casualties, especially in southern Gaza where many Palestinians have taken refuge. He reiterated the U.S.’s commitment to a peace process leading to a Palestinian state, a stance opposed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
During a recent meeting, following the ceasefire’s third extension, Blinken underscored the U.S.’s support for Israel’s right to self-defense, aligning with the Biden administration’s evolving stance on the war. This approach initially fully supported Israel’s response to Hamas’ attacks but became more measured as Palestinian civilian casualties increased, leading to international disapproval.
In related news, the Israeli army has confirmed the death of Ofir Tzarfati, an Israeli believed to have been held hostage in Gaza.
Separately, a shooting at a Jerusalem bus station resulted in multiple casualties. Jerusalem police are investigating the incident, which involved two gunmen opening fire at a crowded bus stop.
Lastly, Israel and Hamas agreed to a one-day extension of their temporary truce, as negotiated by Qatar. This extension came into effect shortly before the previous ceasefire was due to expire, continuing the pattern of exchanging Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
