As the truce between Israel and Hamas entered its last 24 hours on Monday, there are indications that the militant group may be willing to extend the pause in hostilities. This comes following the release of additional hostages by Hamas, including a four-year-old orphaned by the group’s attack. Tearful reunions of families and hostages, exchanged for dozens of Palestinian prisoners, have brought a momentary reprieve in the seven-week war.
The conflict was initiated when Hamas raided Israel on October 7, prompting significant Israeli bombardments of the Gaza Strip. The latest group of released Israeli women and children has shifted attention to calls for extending the truce beyond its scheduled end at 7:00 am (0500 GMT) on Tuesday.
US President Joe Biden expressed the hope for an extended pause, stating, “That’s our goal, to keep this pause going beyond tomorrow so that we can continue to see more hostages come out and surge more humanitarian relief into those in need in Gaza.” He emphasized a desire for the fighting to halt as long as prisoners are released.
Hamas has indicated its openness to extending the truce, with a source informing AFP that the group is considering a prolongation of “two to four days.” The source stated, “The resistance believes it is possible to ensure the release of 20 to 40 Israeli prisoners” in that time.
Under the truce agreement, 50 hostages were set to be freed by the militants over four days in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners. The truce would automatically extend if at least 10 Israeli captives were released each additional day. Israel is facing pressure from hostage families and allies to prolong the truce to secure more releases.
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna stated on Sunday that it would be “good, helpful, and necessary” to extend the truce until all hostages, including French nationals, are freed.
Three successive days of hostage releases have brought relief to Israel, with tearful reunions occurring weeks after the initial Hamas attack on October 7. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with Hamas militants pouring into Israel and prompting a military campaign by Israel.
The third group of hostages released on Sunday included a four-year-old American citizen orphaned in the attacks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed joy at her return but lamented the tragic circumstances.
As the truce’s end approaches, pressure is mounting on Israel to consider an extension, with calls for continued efforts to bring about lasting peace and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are anticipated as the truce deadline approaches.