Truce Negotiations between Israel and Hamas Continue Amid Hostage Releases

As the four-day truce between Israel and Hamas enters its final day, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has received a list of hostages from Hamas, which is currently under evaluation. Both sides have discussed the possibility of extending the truce, with Hamas expressing a desire to continue the humanitarian ceasefire and increase the number of released prisoners.

The truce, in effect since November 24, has seen the release of 67 hostages by Hamas and 39 Palestinian prisoners by Israel. The agreement involved the release of 50 hostages by Hamas, primarily women and minors, in exchange for Israel freeing approximately 150 Palestinian women and children from its prisons. Qatar, a key mediator in the negotiations, has also expressed hope for an extension, with the possibility of releasing additional prisoners.

Despite occasional delays and accusations of non-compliance, aid trucks have continued to enter Gaza through the Rafah border crossing during the truce, facilitating the flow of relief supplies and fuel.