Israel and Hamas Extend Ceasefire for One Day

On Thursday, December 9, Israel and Hamas reached another last-minute agreement to extend the ceasefire for the seventh day. According to Reuters, mediators in the ceasefire extension negotiations are seeking further extensions for the release of more hostages and to deliver aid to Gaza. Meanwhile, the Israeli army and Shin Bet, the country's security agency, stated that representatives of the Red Cross handed over two released Israeli hostages to the special forces of the Israeli army and Shin Bet in the area bordering Gaza. The ceasefire has halted bombings in Gaza and allowed humanitarian aid to be sent to the region. Israel has requested that Hamas release at least 10 hostages daily to maintain the ceasefire. On Wednesday, Hamas released 16 hostages, and Israel also released 30 Palestinian prisoners. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during his third trip to the Middle East since the war began, stated in Israel that the ceasefire is 'productive. This is important, and we hope it can continue.' Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people, most of whom were military personnel. Hamas militants also took around 240 people hostage and transferred them to Gaza. In response to this attack, Israel besieged Gaza and launched attacks aimed at destroying Hamas. Hamas officials, who govern Gaza, claim that over 15,000 people have been killed as a result of these attacks, two-thirds of whom are women and children. In contrast, Israel has emphasized that Hamas uses civilians as human shields. Blinken described the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas as 'productive' in Tel Aviv. Qatar: The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been extended for two more days. The process of releasing Hamas hostages has begun; 13 Israelis and 12 Thais were released on the first day.