JUST IN: Israel and Hamas Extend ‘Humanitarian Pause’ in Conflict

AP Photo/Mohammed Hajjar

Israel and Hamas agreed to extend their “humanitarian pause” by an additional day, Thursday, as Israel continues to negotiate for the release of hostages taken on October 7.

Shortly before the pause in conflict was set to expire, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that the pause would “continue in light of the mediators’ efforts to continue the process of releasing the hostages and subject to the terms of the framework.”

Qatar — which has served as a mediator between Israel and Hamas during the conflict — confirmed the extension of a pause in its own statement.

“The Palestinian and Israeli sides have reached an agreement to extend the humanitarian pause in the Gaza Strip for an additional day (today, Thursday) under the existing conditions,” declared Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “which are a cessation of all military activities and the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza, within the framework of the joint mediation of the State of Qatar with the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America.”

The foreign ministry also stated that “efforts were ongoing with the aim of reaching a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.”

On November 24, 24 hostages were released by Hamas — 13 Israelis, 10 Thai citizens, and one Filipino — beginning a temporary ceasefire, which resulted in the release of further groups of hostages.

On Wednesday, Hamas released its sixth group of hostages: 10 Israelis, four Thai citizens, and two Israeli-Russian dual citizens.

According to CNN, 159 hostages are still believed to be kept in captivity.