The cessation of fighting between Israel and Hamas was extended at the last minute this morning. A few minutes before the agreement was scheduled to expire, the two parties agreed to continue the ceasefire for at least one day. Had this not been achieved before 7 a.m. (6 a.m. Dutch time), Israel and Hamas said they would have resumed fighting.

According to Qatar, which is mediating the negotiations, Israel and Hamas have not changed the conditions for stopping the fighting. This means that Hamas will release ten Israeli hostages again today. In return, Israel agreed to release thirty Palestinian prisoners. At the same time, humanitarian aid is allowed to enter the Gaza Strip.

Negotiations on extending the cessation of fighting have become increasingly difficult in recent days. So far, Hamas has only released female hostages or minors. Hamas is expected to impose stricter conditions for the release of men and soldiers.

Israel constantly says that the ceasefire is temporary. The government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under great pressure at home to release the hostages, but at the same time it wants to fight Hamas. Once the Palestinian armed movement stops releasing hostages, the Israeli army wants to resume fighting, perhaps this time also in the southern Gaza Strip.

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is now entering its seventh day. The deal has so far resulted in the release of 70 Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of 210 Palestinian prisoners. Outside the agreement, three dual Israeli citizens and 24 foreigners were also released. Israel believes that Hamas is still holding about one hundred and fifty people hostage.

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