The third day of suspension of hostilities between Israel and Hamas ended smoothly after tensions on Saturday that raised fears of a resurgence of the conflict: 14 Israelis and 3 Thais were released and in return 39 Palestinian prisoners were released from prison.
And now there is also an extension of the ceasefire, which was supposed to expire tomorrow. Beyamin Netanyahu, speaking to Joe Biden, said that “there is an agreement plan that includes the release of 10 hostages for each additional day of the ceasefire.”
The day began with the best of omens, as Hamas handed over to Israel the new list of hostages to be released. In the following hours, 14 Israelis and 3 Thai citizens were handed over to the Red Cross and then transferred to Israeli territory.
Standout names include Avigail Idan, a four-year-old Israeli-American girl who was orphaned after the Oct. 7 attack. The others are Elma Avraham (84), Aviva Adrian Siegal (62), Hagar Brodetz (40), Ofri Brodetz (10), Yuval Brodetz (8), Uriah Brodetz (4), Hen Goldstein-Almog (48), Agam Goldstein -Almog (17), Gal Goldstein-Almog (11), Tal Goldstein-Almog (8), Dafna Elyakim (15), Ela Elyakim (8). And there is also a 25-year-old with dual Russian citizenship, Ron Kriboy: A “homage” to Vladimir Putin for the Russian position on the Palestinian issue, stressed Hamas, determined to strengthen its protection network. They are all doing well except the elderly woman Elma, who was taken to hospital, but their lives are not in danger.
This time, Hamas did not separate families as it did the day before, and this was also a sign that it did not want to create obstacles. As for Israel, it has fulfilled its part of the agreement by releasing 39 Palestinians, all minors. Meanwhile, 237 aid trucks and seven fuel tankers entered the Gaza Strip from Egypt. The highest number so far. Three days without fighting and raids have brought relief to Gaza’s more than two million residents, most of whom have been forced to leave their homes.
For this reason, efforts to extend the ceasefire are more vigorous than ever. Egypt and Qatar have continued to speak with Hamas and, according to a source close to the Palestinian movement, there is a willingness to take another break of “two to four” days to “ensure the release of 20 to 40 Israeli prisoners.” The pressure on Israel is primarily exerted by the USA. Biden stressed that “the agreement” between the parties “is working” and said his goal is to “extend the lull in fighting beyond tomorrow.” He then called Netanyahu and the two leaders, according to the White House, “agreed that they will continue to work to secure the release of all hostages.” While the Israeli prime minister announced that there was progress, with “an agreement plan that “provides for the release of 10 hostages for each additional day of the ceasefire”.
However, Netanyahu made it clear that Israel’s overall plans for Gaza remain unchanged. After the ceasefire, he told Biden, “we will continue with all our might to achieve the goals of the war.” A concept that was also previously reiterated during a visit to the troops stationed in the north of the Gaza Strip: “We will go. “until the end” ‘. This means not only the release of all hostages, but also “the destruction of Hamas” and obtaining “the guarantee that Gaza can no longer pose a threat to Israel.” A threat that, according to the army is still high. Because high military officials believe that the Gaza Strip militiamen are taking advantage of this ceasefire to renew their forces and improve plans for the next phase of the war. On the other hand, tensions also remain high in the West Bank: six Palestinians were killed overnight Killed at night .Dawn, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
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