Israel-Hamas Cease-fire Extended Amid Hostage Exchanges

As the conflict's toll rises, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken prepares for a crucial visit to the region.

Israel and Hamas have extended their cease-fire until Wednesday, with the prospect of further exchanges of militant-held hostages for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.
The truce has allowed for the release of 51 Israelis and 19 hostages of other nationalities, along with 150 Palestinians from Israeli prisons.
Israel has vowed to end Hamas’ 16-year rule in Gaza and crush its military capabilities, which would likely require expanding the ground offensive from northern Gaza to the south.
The war has displaced more than 1.8 million people, nearly 80% of Gaza’s population, with most having sought refuge in the south.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit the region later this week for the third time since the start of the war, and is expected to press for an extension of the truce and the release of more hostages.