Israel and Hamas reached a last minute deal on Thursday to extend the ceasefire for a 7th day. Washington hopes there will be agreement on a further extension of the pause in the fighting to allow the release of more hostages and the entry of further aid into Gaza.
The deal, announced in the early hours of Thursday, just before the ceasefire expired, saw war-torn Gaza wake up to another quiet morning for the seventh day in a row even as a deadly shooting attack in Jerusalem was a powerful reminder of the danger of violence spreading.
Three people were killed and six others were wounded in Jerusalem after two attackers opened fire at a bus stop. The incident occurred two days after two Palestinian boys, aged 8 and 14, were shot and killed during an Israeli army raid in the West Bank.
"This event proves to us once again that we must not show weakness, that we must speak to Hamas only through weapons, through war. This event shows how important it is to distribute weapons everywhere, despite criticism", said Itamar Ben Gvir, Minister for National Security.
Hamas released 16 more hostages on Wednesday in exchange for 30 Palestinian prisoners who left Israeli jails. The militant group also confirmed after the Israeli army that the ceasefire will continue for a day on the 7th. The US Secretary of State, who visited Israel after a short stay in Macedonia, said that efforts are continuing to extend the pause.
So far the militants have released 97 hostages, 70 Israeli women and children plus 27 foreigners. For every Israeli hostage, 3 Palestinian prisoners have been released. (A2 Televizion)
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