The truce between Israel and Hamas has expired, there is no talk of its extension – Rossiyskaya Gazeta

Meanwhile, as the Associated Press writes today, the mediators of the conflict, Qatar and Egypt, are trying to extend the truce. But for now this is a perspective and the agency is summarizing the results of four days of peace.

It is reported that with few hostages left, it could be very difficult to reach an agreement to extend the truce. Hamas is supposed to set a higher price for the remaining hostages, for the Israeli soldiers (women and children have meanwhile been returned). According to the AP, some 140 hostages were languishing in Gaza, more than 100 of whom were freed as part of the truce.

Qatar and Egypt, which played, as the agency writes, “a key role as mediators,” seek to extend the truce for another two days. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities have resumed their offensive against Hamas and are trying to obtain “satisfactory lists of prisoners who will be released in exchange for an extension of sentence.”

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials on Thursday in his third visit to the region since the war began, expressed hope that the ceasefire can be expanded and more hostages freed.

Blinken also said that if Israel resumes the war and advances into southern Gaza in pursuit of Hamas, the country must have a “clear plan” to protect civilians.

The AP reports that Hamas previously released 10 hostages, who were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza and then taken to Israel for a medical examination and reunification with their families. Among those released were two women, Russian citizens.

The release of 12 other Israeli citizens was previously reported.

Early Friday morning, according to the AP, a bus carrying 30 Palestinian prisoners released by Israel was met in the West Bank city of Ramallah. And dozens of men, some carrying green Hamas flags, cheered.

In total, the agency writes, 83 Israelis were released during the truce, including dual citizens, most of whom appear physically healthy.

It is unclear how many of the remaining Israeli women hostages are IDF soldiers.

Hamas is also expected to demand the release of senior Palestinian officials convicted of attacks against Israelis, something Israel strongly opposes. Israel says about 125 people remain kidnapped.