International-News

Hamas agrees to release hostages in exchange for ceasefire extension

An Israeli delegation will arrive in Doha tomorrow to advance negotiations, Netanyahu thanks Trump for support

Hamas has agreed to release a number of live hostages in exchange for a two-month extension of the first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza, according to reports by the Saudi network Al Hadath and confirmed by ‘The Times of Israel’ and ‘Haaretz’. Israel, responding to an invitation from US-backed mediators, will send a delegation to Doha, Qatar, tomorrow to try to move the negotiations forward.

The US envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will also be present, while Hamas spoke of positive signs of the start of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. This agreement, which initially included a temporary truce and the release of some hostages, was concluded last Saturday.

The second phase of talks includes much more sensitive issues, including the total withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and a permanent end to the war, in exchange for the release of the remaining hostages. Despite the complexity of the situation, Netanyahu publicly expressed his thanks to US President Donald Trump for his continued support of Israel in the fight against Hamas, emphasising his gratitude to the American leader.

This sign of détente comes as relations between Israel and the US go through one of the most tense moments since Trump returned to the White House.

THE LATEST NEWS