Families on both sides of the Green Line share a moment rarely seen in times of tension. After three days of a hostage exchange, Israeli and Palestinian families reunite with their loved ones, including women and children, in a rare pause that gives room for light, recovery, and the hope of ordinary life. In Gaza, fear lingers that each sunrise could be the last full day of quiet, yet the pause is extended by the mediators who push for more time. The decision to lengthen the humanitarian ceasefire comes as both sides agree to continue the exchange process in the Mediterranean region, even as accusations flare from each camp in the early hours of the new week.
Disputes began the day with competing statements from each side. Israeli media and Reuters reported that Israel received the list of hostages to be freed later that day. Palestinian factions likewise claimed that the list of Palestinian security prisoners slated for release faced problems. Qatari mediators once again worked against the clock to prevent delays in the day’s exchange. The Israeli prime minister’s office informed families that their loved ones were set for release on the current Monday.
Another driver behind extending the ceasefire is a statement from Qatar’s prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Zani, who spoke with the Financial Times. He emphasized that Hamas must locate dozens of hostages, including women and children, still held by civilians and factions in Gaza that are not under sustained assault. He noted that more than 40 women and children remain in the hands of local forces in Gaza and urged a path toward de-escalation. His remarks underscore the belief that a political solution is needed to secure lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Al Zani argued against the notion that Hamas can be eliminated through continued fighting, warning that such a strategy risks fueling extremism and radicalization. He called for a political framework that would guarantee security for both peoples and reduce the likelihood of renewed violence, a sentiment echoed by other regional leaders who advocate negotiations and confidence-building measures as a durable way forward.
Hamas and the United States support the extension
During the first three days of the truce, Hamas released 39 captives, in line with the agreed exchange plan. The understanding is that up to 50 hostages will be returned to Israel in exchange for the release of a similar number of Palestinian prisoners, predominantly women and children. The arrangement also specifies that for every ten hostages freed, the ceasefire could be extended by an additional day. As negotiations progressed toward the final day of the current pause, Hamas repeatedly signaled its willingness to extend the truce, with leaders pressing for greater humanitarian releases and broader terms that would ease civilian suffering on both sides.
In Washington, U.S. President Joe Biden reaffirmed the administration’s aim to extend the ceasefire and facilitate the release of more hostages held by Hamas. Officials have signaled that this objective will guide diplomatic engagement in the coming days. The U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, was expected to travel to the region again in the week ahead to press for progress. In public remarks, the Israeli prime minister outlined a determination to bring home every captive, while the broader international effort emphasizes a simultaneous push for de-escalation, humanitarian access, and a pathway to negotiations that could prevent a relapse into full-scale violence.