Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, has expressed its intention to extend the current four-day truce with Israel. The extension, however, comes with a condition – an increase in the number of Palestinian detainees released from Israel. In a statement on Sunday, Hamas emphasized that the extension is contingent upon sincere efforts to boost the release of Palestinian prisoners.
The announcement follows the recent release of 17 hostages (13 Israeli and four foreign nationals) to the Red Cross as part of the ceasefire agreement. The freed hostages were transferred out of Gaza, marking the third consecutive day of such releases.
Israel is expected to release 39 Palestinian prisoners later today, in compliance with the terms of the deal. The truce, set to conclude on Monday, involves further exchanges where Hamas will release 50 Israeli hostages, and Israel will free 150 Palestinian prisoners.
The ongoing negotiations and exchanges reflect a delicate diplomatic situation as both sides navigate the terms of the truce and strive for a lasting resolution to the conflict.
By Reuters
