Israel and Hamas Extend Ceasefire Agreement for One More Day

The Israeli army announced on Thursday, just 15 minutes before the ceasefire deadline, in a tweet in Hebrew that "given the efforts of mediators to continue the process of releasing hostages and subject to the terms of the agreement, the ceasefire will continue." The office of the Israeli Prime Minister also confirmed the extension of the ceasefire agreement for one day, marking the seventh consecutive day, and stated that a list of 10 women and children who are Hamas hostages has been received for release from Gaza, which "complies with the ceasefire agreement." The initial duration of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was four days but was extended for two more days until Thursday, December 9. During this period, Israel and Hamas exchanged a number of Palestinian prisoners in Israel and several Hamas hostages according to the agreement. Hamas, which released 16 hostages in exchange for 30 Palestinian prisoners on Wednesday, stated in a statement that the ceasefire will continue for the seventh day. The United States, the European Union, and Japan have designated the Hamas militia, which is supported by the Islamic Republic, as a terrorist group. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, reiterated on Wednesday that the war to destroy the "terrorist group" Hamas will resume as soon as the current process for the release of hostages held in Gaza is completed. The Secretary-General of the United Nations expressed dissatisfaction, stating that humanitarian aid to Gaza is insufficient even with the ceasefire in place. A released hostage from Hamas captivity reported that Hamas forces mistreat and beat the hostages.