Efforts underway to prolong ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza

Mediators are trying to extend the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas after the final exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Israel has offered an extra day of ceasefire for every 10 Israeli hostages released, and Hamas has indicated that it could agree to an extension. A Palestinian official mentioned that 20 to 40 additional hostages might be freed, although Qatar, the mediator, stated that Hamas may not have located or secured them yet. Qatar is also working to resolve a disagreement between Israel and Hamas regarding the individuals who should be released. The Israeli prime minister's office stated that discussions are still ongoing regarding the next group of freed individuals. Qatar's Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, explained that the extension of the ceasefire depends on Hamas proving, locating, and securing certain criteria for the first group, which includes women and children. However, he warned that Hamas's complex structure presents a challenge for the mediators. The truce's extension is contingent on Hamas finding over 40 women and children hostages, as stated by Sheikh Mohammed. Currently, Hamas has released 39 Israeli women and children, while Israel has freed 117 Palestinian women and teenage prisoners. In addition to the release of hostages, the ceasefire has allowed for an increase in aid deliveries to Gaza, where a humanitarian crisis is deepening. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the return of the third group of hostages and expressed support for releasing an additional 10 hostages each day. However, he emphasized that once the truce ends, the Israeli military will pursue its goals with full force, including eliminating Hamas and ensuring that Gaza does not return to its previous state. Hamas has also expressed its desire to extend the ceasefire by two to four days, as there is a possibility of securing the release of additional Israeli hostages. The conflict between Israel and Hamas began when Hamas gunmen launched an attack on Israeli soil, resulting in deaths and hostage takings.