Israel says it proposed extended ceasefire to Hamas: 'We want 50 more hostages released'
Israel has offered the Palestinian Islamist organisation Hamas an extension to the temporary ceasefire that began on Friday and was due to end at 7.00 local time on Tuesday. "We want 50 more hostages released," said Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy.
According to an Egyptian security source, both sides are working on the conditions for extending the ceasefire. "Israel is insisting on extending the ceasefire day by day," the source said, "while the foreign mediators - Qatar, the United States and Egypt - are insisting on several days."
Both camps reiterate that the hostilities are far from over. "The campaign to finally topple Hamas and bring all the hostages home will resume at the end of the ceasefire," Levy said. "Once the timeframe of the agreement is over, Israel will rededicate itself fully to three goals: eliminate Hamas, ensure that Gaza never again poses a security risk to Israel, and release all hostages."
"The fighters are ready to resume if necessary," a Hamas spokesperson said.
In total, 58 hostages have been released since Friday. They include 39 Israelis or dual nationals and 19 foreigners.
Palestinians fleeing north Gaza move southward as ambulances head towards north Gaza during a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas, near Gaza City, 27 November 2023 © PHOTO REUTERS/IBRAHEEM ABU MUSTAFA
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