Page 20 - State Information News Today

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel and Hamas agreed at the last minute today to extend their cease-fire in Gaza by another day to allow more hostages and prisoners to be

With Thursday’s releases, a total of 75 Israelis, including dual nationals, have been freed during the truce, most of whom appear physically well but shaken.

International pressure has grown for the truce to continue after weeks of Israeli bombardment following the deadly Oct. 7 attack by Hamas that provoked the war. Israel's attacks have killed thousands in Gaza.

Hamas began freeing Israeli hostages Thursday in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners to be released as part of a last-minute deal to extend their ceasefire in Gaza by another day. But any further renewal of the truce, now in its seventh day, could prove more daunting since Hamas is expected to set a higher price for many of the remaining hostages.

Israel and Hamas agreed at the last minute Thursday to extend their cease-fire in Gaza by another day to allow more hostages and prisoners to be released.

Hamas released two Israeli women from captivity as the truce in Gaza endured another day. The planned exchange of more hostages for prisoners comes during a one-day extension of the

International pressure has grown for the truce to continue after weeks of Israeli bombardment following the deadly Oct. 7 attack by Hamas that provoked the war. Israel's attacks have killed thousands in Gaza.

Israel and Hamas agreed at the last minute to extend their truce to a seventh day, but any further extensions could prove more daunting.

Hamas freed two Israeli women Thursday afternoon and more hostage releases were expected to follow, the Israeli military said. At least 10 Israelis a day, along with other nationals, have been released during the truce, in return for Israel’s release of at least 30 Palestinian prisoners.

The Israeli military says six Israeli hostages have been released from captivity in the Gaza Strip. The army said the Red Cross transferred the hostages to Egypt late Thursday. They arrived hours after two additional hostages were turned over to Israel separately.