2023-11-30 04:11:00
The ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which was initially extended to four days, ends this morning. At the same time, efforts to obtain a further extension increased, which was primarily sought by mediator Qatar. According to its Foreign Minister Antony Blinken, the USA is also in favor of a longer ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This would mean more hostages might come home, Blinken said in Brussels following a meeting of NATO foreign ministers. “It’s clearly something we want. I think it’s something Israel wants, too,” Blinken said.
Hamas and Israel had previously extended the ceasefire, which was initially scheduled to last four days, by two days. This means that it would expire today, Thursday, without another extension. According to the parties’ original agreement, the ceasefire might be extended to a maximum of ten days to allow for the further release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
According to sources close to Hamas, Hamas is apparently prepared to extend the deadline by another four days. The AFP news agency learned from Hamas circles that she had informed the mediators of her position. During this period, “additional Israeli prisoners held by Hamas and other parties may be released,” it said. Around 160 people are still believed to be at the mercy of radical groups in the Gaza Strip. Israel had said the ceasefire might be extended for additional days if Hamas continued to release at least 10 Israeli hostages per day. The Israeli hostages are to be released in return for the release of other Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated the goal of military destruction of Hamas despite the ongoing ceasefire. He did not say how long the ceasefire might last. “We have agreed that the women and children and the foreign hostages will be released first. After that happens, we will continue the fighting,” he told broadcaster Welt TV in an interview published on Tuesday.
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