Will the Ceasefire in Gaza be Extended?

The humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip is close to being extended by two more days. According to a statement made to RIA Novosti, Diya Rashwan, head of the Egyptian State Information Service, announced that efforts by Egypt and Qatar are nearing success regarding the extension of the humanitarian ceasefire.

Rashwan mentioned that in exchange for the release of 60 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, 20 Israeli hostages could be freed during these two days. He also added that the release of 11 Israeli hostages from the Gaza Strip is expected on November 27. Furthermore, he emphasized that negotiations are ongoing for the release of 33 Palestinians.

It is noteworthy that the Israeli military cabinet is discussing the potential extension of the ceasefire regime following the conclusion of the four-day ceasefire. This was reported by the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper.

The discussions reportedly began after the Palestinian Hamas movement expressed its willingness to extend the ceasefire in exchange for the release of more hostages. Additionally, on November 22, Hamas announced that an agreement had been reached under the mediation of Egypt and Qatar with Israel concerning the establishment of a humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. This agreement entails a phased release of 50 hostages held in the enclave, including children and women, in exchange for the release of 150 Palestinian women and minors detained by Israel.

The four-day ceasefire came into effect on November 24 at 07:00 local time (09:00 Yerevan time).