Palestinian and Israeli families on both sides of the Green Line share a rare moment of reunion, embracing loved ones, women, and children after a day marked by a hostage exchange. On Monday, Gaza braces for a last day of daylight and relative quiet, hopeful that bombs will not rain from the sky. While Hamas presses to extend the pause in fighting, Israel signals a cautious stance for a few more days. The day began with tensions and disputes, as reported by Israeli media and Reuters, with Israel receiving the list of hostages slated for release later today. Palestinian factions likewise claimed that the list of Palestinian security prisoners Israel plans to release today is problematic. Qatari mediators are attempting to resolve outstanding issues to prevent delays in today’s schedule.
Another factor behind the potential extension of the ceasefire is a statement from Qatar’s prime minister. He spoke to the Financial Times, noting that Hamas must locate dozens of hostages, including women and children, held by civilians and factions in Gaza, as long as they are not under sustained attack. He added that more than 40 women and children were kidnapped in Gaza and are not in the hands of Palestinian militias that effectively control the region.
Al Thani criticized Israel’s aim of eradicating Hamas as untenable. He warned that continuing the war would not end the conflict and could fuel extremist narratives. He called instead for a political solution that ensures the security of both Palestinian and Israeli people, a goal emphasized by the Qatari leadership.
Hamas and the USA are in favor of extension
During the initial three days of the ceasefire, Hamas released 39 prisoners. Under the terms of the agreement, 50 hostages are to be released in exchange for the return of 150 Palestinian security prisoners, most of them women and children. The pact allows for a one-day extension for every 10 hostages released. Hamas has signaled a willingness to extend the ceasefire, and recent hours have seen negotiations on this extension. Palestinian factions published a statement expressing their desire to prolong the pause, aiming to increase the number of Palestinian detainees freed from Israeli custody.
U.S. President Joe Biden has argued for extending the ceasefire beyond Monday to facilitate the release of more hostages, contingent on Hamas’s cooperation. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to visit Israel again in the near term. The administration has reaffirmed its commitment to bringing all hostages home and working toward a broader peace process in the region.