By The newspaper
Nov 26, 2023, 11:40 PM EST
Hamas has officially expressed its desire to extend the ongoing truce with Israel, signaling a possible change in the dynamics of the conflict, The Times of Israel reveals.
The current ceasefire, which will end on Monday night, is part of a deal brokered by Qatar, which aims to secure the release of Palestinian security prisoners held by Israel.
The complexities of the agreement describe the initial release of 50 women and children, taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7 attack. In exchange, Israel is expected to release 150 Palestinian security prisoners and minors within the four-day ceasefire.
Curiously, the agreement allows the extension of the truce one additional day for every 10 hostages released beyond the initial 50, with a limit of 100. Israel, in turn, agrees to release more security prisoners, with a proportion of three for each hostage.
The latest statement from Hamas, the ruling terrorist group in Gaza, suggests strong interest in extending the truce. So far, 39 Israeli hostages and 117 Palestinian prisoners have been released, marking a tangible but partial fulfillment of the agreement.
Notably, this figure excludes one Russian-Israeli man and 19 foreign nationals released separately from the Israel-Hamas deal.
The truce could be extended: United States
The United States, represented by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, has expressed optimism about extending the truce, emphasizing that the decision lies with Hamas.
Sullivan said the pause could be extended for additional days, highlighting Israel’s willingness to stop fighting for every 10 hostages freed by Hamas. However, he stressed that responsibility for any disruption to the truce lies solely with Hamas.
While acknowledging the strategic advantage the truce provides Hamas in terms of regrouping and propagating its narrative on social media, Sullivan emphasized the deal’s profound impact on family reunification, portraying a sense of humanity amid the conflict.
In response to Hamas’ desire for an extension, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed in a video message his willingness to extend the truce. However, he made it unequivocally clear that once the truce concludes, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) ground operation will resume in full force.
Netanyahu expressed his determination to achieve the mission’s objectives, emphasizing the destruction of Hamas, preventing Gaza from returning to previous conditions and ensuring the release of all hostages.
As delicate negotiations unfold, the situation remains fluid, balancing diplomatic efforts and the looming threat of renewed hostilities. The coming days will reveal whether Hamas’ bid for an expanded truce finds acceptance and how Israel handles the complexities of its security objectives in the region.
Keep reading:
· Hamas murdered her parents in front of her: the story of Abigail, the freed American girl
· Israel releases 39 Palestinian prisoners after release of Hamas hostages
· 17 hostages released, including a 4-year-old American girl, after truce agreement between Israel and Hamas