US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit Israel, the West Bank, and the United Arab Emirates this week with the goal of advocating for increased humanitarian aid for war-affected Gaza and aiding in the release of all hostages held by Hamas. The visit also includes discussions about Washington's expectations for Gaza if Hamas is eliminated by Israel.
The US State Department stated that during his time in Israel and the West Bank, Secretary Blinken will address Israel's right to self-defense within the bounds of international humanitarian law. Efforts to secure the release of remaining hostages, protect civilian lives during Israeli operations in Gaza, and expedite humanitarian assistance for Gaza's civilians will also be discussed. This trip marks the Secretary's third visit to the region since October 7th, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, resulting in the death of more than 1,200 individuals and the kidnapping of 240 hostages. Here are the top 10 updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict:
The Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million people, has been heavily bombarded by Israel, with a ground offensive in the northern region. According to Gaza health authorities, this has resulted in the death of over 15,000 Palestinians.
Both Qatar and the US have confirmed the extension of the truce by two days, which will result in the release of approximately 10 more Israeli hostages each day. The original four-day truce agreement, set to expire today (Tuesday), involved Israel ceasing its military operations in Gaza for four days. Israel emphasized that it would release three Palestinian security prisoners for every 50 hostages freed from Gaza. As of Friday, over 50 hostages have been released while 117 Palestinians have been freed.
US President Joe Biden expressed his approval of the additional two-day truce between Israel and Hamas, facilitated by Qatar's successful mediation. Biden stated, "I have been actively involved in ensuring that this deal, which was brokered and maintained through extensive US mediation and diplomacy, can continue to bring about positive outcomes."
Qatar successfully mediated an agreement between Israel and Hamas to extend their four-day truce by an additional two days, as confirmed by a spokesperson from Qatar's foreign ministry.
This temporary cessation of hostilities brings some relief to the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, who have been enduring a devastating war resulting in numerous casualties and extensive destruction in the area.
The exact number of hostages to be released under the extended truce agreement remains uncertain. However, Diaa Rashwan, the head of Egypt's State Information Service, previously mentioned that the negotiated deal would involve the release of 20 Israeli hostages and 60 Palestinian prisoners currently detained in Israeli jails.
The decision to extend the truce came after appeals from US President Joe Biden, EU envoy Josep Borrell, and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg for a prolonged cessation of hostilities.
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