The last group of Israeli hostages to be released under the hostage agreement reached last week may leave the Gaza Strip on Monday, but there are several signs that the ceasefire may be extended.
Hamas had already indicated on Sunday that it wanted to extend the ceasefire for four days if Israel made serious efforts to increase the number of Palestinian prisoners released. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that “at the end of the ceasefire, Israel will continue its operations in Gaza with full force,” while at the same time, “he likes the possibility that Hamas will release another ten hostages on each day of the truce.” cease-fire”.
The ceasefire agreement, which entered into force on Friday, officially ends at midnight on Monday. It would also be beneficial for Hamas to extend the ceasefire, because during this period aid supplies could reach the Gaza Strip relatively unimpeded.
A Palestinian official told the BBC that between 20 and 40 more Israeli hostages could be released if they were able to reach an agreement with Israel. According to him, about 180 people are still in captivity, including dozens of children.
So far, Hamas has released 39 Israelis during the first three days of the temporary ceasefire. Under the agreement, 150 Palestinian prisoners will be released from Israeli prisons, and in return Hamas will release a total of fifty hostages, including women and children. If the agreement is extended, ten Israeli hostages will be released for every additional day of the ceasefire, in exchange for thirty Palestinians and humanitarian aid.
On Sunday evening, Israel received the list of the eleven hostages who were released on Monday, the fourth and final day of the agreement in its current form.
The two parties are negotiating to continue through the mediation of Egypt and Qatar.
(BBCMTI)
