Israeli Defense Forces And Hamas Extend Truce For Seventh Consecutive Day

The Israeli military and Hamas have agreed to extend the truce in Gaza for a seventh day. 

The ceasefire, initially set to expire at 3 pm AEST, was prolonged to facilitate ongoing negotiations and efforts to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza.

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Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the extension is aimed at allowing mediators to continue their work in negotiating the release of hostages. 

The truce, which has already lasted six days, has temporarily halted hostilities and allowed much-needed humanitarian aid entry into Gaza.

The conditions of the ceasefire, including the halt of hostilities and the entry of humanitarian aid, remain unchanged.

The extension follows Hamas’ release of 16 hostages in exchange for 30 Palestinian prisoners on the previous day, emphasising the delicate nature of ongoing negotiations.

The truce has been extended to allow negotiators to continue working on deals to swap hostages held in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners.

Shortly after the agreement, two Palestinian attackers opened fire at a bus stop in Jerusalem during morning rush hour, resulting in at least three deaths and eight injuries.

A group of 17 Thai hostages, part of the 32 abducted during the October 7 attack, has arrived in Bangkok. A total of 23 Thai hostages have been released, with nine still in captivity.

“All Thais were worried about you,” Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said to the returnees via a video call as they gathered for the press conference at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.

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