Israel and Hamas Extend Cease-Fire, Continue Hostage and Prisoner Exchanges

The two-day extension allows for more aid into Gaza and raises hopes for the release of additional captives, despite concerns over family separations.

Israel and Hamas agreed to extend a cease-fire by two days, allowing for more hostage and prisoner exchanges and increased aid into the Gaza Strip.
The extension raised hopes in Washington for the release of additional captives and more humanitarian aid for Gaza.
The deal came after an Israeli offer to continue the cease-fire by one day for every additional 10 hostages released, who would be exchanged for 30 Palestinians in Israeli prisons.
Since Friday, Hamas has released 50 Israeli hostages and Israel has freed 150 Palestinian prisoners.
Family separations have been a stumbling block in the hostage negotiations, with concerns raised about children being released without their mothers.