(VOVWORLD) - After extensive mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, the Israeli government and Hamas agreed Monday to prolong the ceasefire in the Gaza strip for an additional two days until Thursday to fulfill a set of conditions for exchanging hostages and prisoners.
 A Palestinian boy rides his bicycle past ruined buildings in Khan Younis, Southern Gaza, November 27, 2023. (Photo: Reuters) |
The decision to extend the ceasefire was reached just a few hours before the current ceasefire was set to expire.
Throughout this extended ceasefire period, both parties will continue exchanging hostages and prisoners using the same mechanism and conditions as during the preceding 4-day ceasefire. In addition to the 50 hostages previously announced for release, Hamas will release an additional 20 hostages captured during the attack on southern Israel on the morning of October 7.
In return, Israel will release an extra 60 Palestinian prisoners, most of them are women and minors, in addition to the 150 prisoners already announced for release under the original agreement brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the US.
Countries and international organizations praised the extension of the ceasefire in the Gaza, considering it a crucial step in reducing civilian casualties and creating opportunities for negotiating a permanent ceasefire.
In a separate development, a US official announced that Secretary of State Antony Blinken will embark on his third trip to the Middle East since the eruption of the Hamas-Israel conflict.
During this visit, Blinken is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas in Ramallah, where he will press for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, the release of all hostages, and greater protection for civilians in Gaza. Discussions will also focus on outlining Gaza's future and establishing an independent Palestinian state.