Israel and Hamas agree to extend truce for two more days, and to free more hostages and prisoners

Despite "minimal breaches" in the Israel-Hamas truce -- which has over the past five days allowed the exchange of hostages held in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners in Israel -- "the agreement is still ongoing" says a Qatar Foreign Ministry spokesperson. Speaking during a two-day extension to the initial truce, Majed Al-Ansari says the Gulf state, a mediator in the conflict, hopes for "a sustainable truce". The current pause in fighting is the first since October 7, when Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israeli settlements, killing 1,200 people and kidnapping a further 240. Israel's response, a sustained air and ground campaign in the Gaza Strip, has killed nearly 15,000, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in the territory.

The Israel-Hamas truce in Gaza enters its fifth day as the release of Israeli hostages and detained Palestinians continues. The pause in fighting is extended by...

Qatar has announced a truce-for-hostages deal between Israel and Hamas, which would bring a temporary halt in fighting, release hostages held in Gaza and lead to...

The United Nations chief hails the two-day extension of the truce between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, and called it a glimpse of hope. Secretary-General Antonio...