Israel Says Cease-Fire Could Continue If Hamas Agrees to Release More Hostages

Israel Says Cease-Fire Could Continue If Hamas Agrees to Release More Hostages

Israel Says Cease-Fire , Could Continue If Hamas Agrees , to Release More Hostages.

Associated Press reports that Israel and Hamas said they remain open to extending a cease-fire beyond its original November 27 deadline.

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According to Israel, the truce would be extended by one day for every ten additional hostages that Hamas agrees to release.

The four-day truce came into effect on November 24, following weeks of indirect negotiations which were mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the United States.

Despite the brief respite, Israel has emphasized that it remains committed to destroying Hamas' military capability and ending their 16-year rule over Gaza.

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AP reports this suggests that Israel will expand its ground offensive to include the south of Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have fled.

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AP reports this suggests that Israel will expand its ground offensive to include the south of Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have fled.

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Despite the increased delivery of aid and other vital supplies, the conditions in United Nations shelters remains dire.

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Despite the increased delivery of aid and other vital supplies, the conditions in United Nations shelters remains dire.

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According to Israel, operations will resume in "full force" once the current cease-fire expires, unless Hamas agrees to release more hostages.

According to Israel, operations will resume in "full force" once the current cease-fire expires, unless Hamas agrees to release more hostages.

Two officials from Egypt told AP that talks have been aimed at having the cease-fire extended for an additional four days.

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However, ongoing fighting in the occupied West Bank has complicated those negotiations and left the outcome in question.

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AP reports that sixty-two of the estimated 240 people held hostage by Hamas have now been released.