Israel-Hamas ceasefire holds amid more hostage releases, diplomatic efforts
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continued on Thursday for the seventh day as more hostages were freed from the Gaza Strip and mediators pressed ahead with efforts to further extend the fragile truce.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel for his fourth visit to the Middle East since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas conflict on Oct. 7. Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and attended the Israeli wartime Cabinet, which discussed Qatari-mediated proposals to prolong the ceasefire in Gaza, as well as Israel’s plans to resume military operations against Hamas after the hostages were returned.
Blinken emphasized the need to extend the truce and increase humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. He also urged Israel to implement plans to protect civilians once operations in Gaza resumed.
Late on Wednesday, Hamas announced that Israel rejected a list of hostages scheduled for release on Thursday. However, after intensive diplomatic efforts, Israel decided to continue the operational pause for the time being. Two female Israeli hostages were released on Thursday evening, with ten more expected to be released later in the night.
The Palestinian Prisoners Society listed eight Palestinian women and 22 children held in Israeli custody, who are set to be released on Thursday.
On Thursday morning, a shooting attack occurred in Jerusalem, raising concerns of further escalation. Two Palestinian gunmen opened fire near the entry of Jerusalem, killing three civilians. Israel’s security service later identified the gunmen as residents of East Jerusalem linked to Hamas.
Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was a response to Israeli crimes in Gaza and harm to prisoners.
According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, over 15,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza since October 7, with over 6,500 others missing. In Israel, approximately 1,200 people were killed, mostly in the Hamas surprise attack that triggered the conflict.
Efforts to extend the ceasefire and release more hostages remain ongoing as mediators continue to work towards a sustainable resolution. The situation in the region remains volatile, with the need for humanitarian assistance and protection of civilians remaining paramount.
As the ceasefire holds for another day, the international community eagerly watches to see if further progress can be made towards a lasting peace agreement between Israel and Hamas.
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