Why is that important?
These negotiations are crucial for stabilising the situation in the region. Israel seeks to free its citizens, which is 1 of the conditions for ending war. Hamas, in turn, agreed to extend the truce and release 1 hostage and to release the bodies of 4 others kidnapped.
What did the Prime Minister's office say?
"Prime Minister Binjamin Netanyahu held an in-depth discussion this evening on hostages with the participation of the negotiating squad and the heads of armed forces. At the end of the discussion, the Prime Minister recommended to prepare for the continuation of negotiations in line with Witkoff's consequence to the proposal to release 11 hostages immediately and to hand over the dead hostages."
What are fresh developments in Gaza?
Hamas holds 24 more hostages and 35 bodies killed, kidnapped in 2023. He agrees to release 1 of them – Israeli-American citizen Edan Alexander and to release the bodies of 4 others. Meanwhile, 9 people were killed as a consequence of Saturday's Israeli raids in the Gaza Strip.
Will the truce be extended?
After the end of the first phase of the ceasefire in early March, the parties did not resume regular fighting, but there is inactive no agreement to extend the truce.
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