20 more people scheduled to be released… It is unclear whether Americans will be included.
“I hope it extends until all hostages are released…it’s the best way.”
While Israel and the Palestinian armed faction Hamas agreed to extend the ceasefire for the release of hostages by two days, the U.S. White House welcomed the extension but stated that a further extension was needed.
John Kirby, Strategic Communications Coordinator for the White House National Security Council (NSC), said at a regular briefing on the 27th (local time), “We welcome Qatar’s recent announcement that the humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, now in its fourth day, will be extended for two more days until Thursday morning, Israeli time.” “I do it,” he said.
“To extend the ceasefire, Hamas has pledged to release 20 additional women and children,” Kirby said. “We certainly hope to extend this temporary ceasefire, and that will depend on whether Hamas continues to release hostages.” “It is,” he said.
The United States believes eight to nine U.S. citizens are still being held by Hamas and hopes to include American hostages in the release of additional hostages.
Majid Al-Ansari, spokesman for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on the social network service He said.
With this agreement, Hamas plans to release 11 Israeli hostages on this day and 10 more on the 28th and 29th. Israel releases 60 additional people, 30 each day.
The White House predicted that the extension of the ceasefire would also increase humanitarian aid for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
“The extra two days will give us an opportunity to get dozens of trucks and tens of thousands of gallons of fuel to those in need,” Kirby said.
Meanwhile, the White House’s position is that the ceasefire period should be extended to allow for the release of hostages and humanitarian aid. Israel has repeatedly stated that it will resume military operations to eliminate Hamas from the Gaza Strip as soon as the ceasefire ends.
“We hope it will be extended until all the hostages are released,” Kirby said. “We want all the hostages to be released, and this is the best way to do that.
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Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.