Growing optimism for prolonged ceasefire as Hamas releases more hostages

In a positive development, Hamas handed over a third group of hostages to Red Cross officials on Sunday as part of a four-day ceasefire agreement in the Gaza war, raising expectations for an extended truce with additional hostage releases in the coming days.

Sunday’s release included 14 Israelis and three Thai citizens, bringing the total number of prisoners released by Hamas to 58 since Friday. Israeli officials note that approximately 180 captives from the October 7 terrorist strikes are still held by radicals in Gaza.

In a reciprocal gesture, 39 Palestinian captives were released from Israeli prisons on Sunday, mirroring the previous day’s exchange. This ongoing process is a component of the four-day ceasefire negotiated by Qatar, expected to last until at least Tuesday morning.

Stakeholders on both sides of the conflict, as well as in the United States and Qatar, express hope for a more prolonged truce beyond the initially agreed-upon four days.

Responding to the latest hostage release, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the arrangement could potentially be extended, contingent on the release of 10 additional prisoners per day.