Humanitarian pause in Gaza Strip extended for Thursday
A picture shows destroyed buildings in Gaza City on the northern Gaza strip following weeks of Israeli bombardment, as a four-day ceasefire took effect on November 24, 2023. The truce in the Israel-Hamas war began on November 24 and appeared to be holding, under a deal that will see hostages released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. (Photo by AFP)
The temporary humanitarian pause in the Gaza Strip was extended on Thursday for one day, following talks with Israel and Hamas.
Majid Al-Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry, confirmed that the humanitarian ceasefire was extended for an additional day under the same terms.
The extension follows the outcome of mediation efforts involving Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
The Palestinian Hamas group acknowledged the continuation of the pause under the same terms that was hostages and prisoners being released in the two camps.
The Israeli army further stressed that the extension was made possible by the efforts of the mediators and that it aims to facilitate the release of more hostages.
On Wednesday evening 10 Israeli hostages – and four Thai citizens – returned to Israeli territory after the group’s release from Gaza.
So far, 97 hostages have been freed by Hamas, while 180 Palestinians prisoners have been released by the Israeli authorities.
Hundreds of lorries of humanitarian aid, medical supplies and fuel have also been allowed into Gaza to cater for those in dire needs.
More than 14,800 people have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory campaign, including about 6,000 children since October 7 when Hamas launched an attack that 1,200 people.
