New Delhi: Egypt on Saturday said it has received “positive signals” for an extension of the four-day Israel-Hamas truce by one or two days, news agency Reuters reported. The development comes as Hamas militants are expected to release a second batch of 14 Israeli hostages, mostly children. The first batch of 13 Israeli hostages were released in exchange of 39 Palestinian prisoners on Friday.
Egypt controls the Rafah border through which humanitarian aid is being sent to Gaza Strip under the truce.
Egypt’s State Information Service (SIS) chief Diaa Rashwan in a statement said Cairo has been holding discussions with all parties to reach an agreement which would mean “the release of more detainees in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails”, Reuters reported.
📍Cairo..Tripartite discussions between FM Sameh Shoukry and FMs of Portugal and Slovenia on Gaza.. Consensus in positions regarding the necessity of ceasefire and access to humanitarian aid..visiting FMs appreciated 🇪🇬 role in concluding the truce agreement@tfajon@JoaoCravinho pic.twitter.com/j8FGEkQwuL
— Egypt MFA Spokesperson (@MfaEgypt) November 25, 2023
According to the report, Hamas on Friday released 24 hostages on Friday. Among them were 13 Israelis, 10 Thai farm workers and a Filipino.
Meanwhile, the Israeli hostages got emotional on being reunited with their families after they were held captive for 49 days.
Among the Israeli hostages was nine-year-old Ohad Munder, who ran down a hospital’s corridor to hug his father. Ohad was released along with his 55-year-old mother Keren Munder and 78-year-old grandmother Ruti Munder. His grandfather Avraham Munder still remains a Hamas hostage.
“I dreamt we came home,” another four-year old said after being freed, reported Reuters.
Meanwhile, Thailand welcomed its 10 hostages and said 20 more were still held as captives.
It is to be noted that both sides have said hostilities would resume after the four-day truce ended as Israel vowed to destroy Hamas after the militants unleashed a surprise assault on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking 240 people as hostages. However, US President Joe Biden has said there is a real chance of the truce being extended, Reuters reported.
