An extension that allows for more hostage releases could give further relief to Israelis. But a longer pause could jeopardise the Israeli military’s primary goal: the destruction of Hamas.
As Israel and Hamas completed the second exchange of hostages and prisoners Saturday evening, Israeli leaders faced a dilemma over whether to restart their military campaign in the Gaza Strip once the four-day truce ends Tuesday morning.
Families that waited outside a prison for the release of people detained by Israel said the conflict in Gaza and the rising death toll had cast a pall over any celebration.