The media in Egypt reported today (Monday) that the Egyptian and Qatari mediators are "close to reaching an agreement" on extending the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip for two more days. It was also said that the fourth round of the release of the hostages will be carried out today as planned, this, after the crisis in the talks that led to a delay in the release of the last 11 Israeli hostages that had been agreed upon.
According to the reports, the truce that was supposed to end today is expected to be extended until Wednesday - when on each of these days 10 more Israeli hostages will be released. In return, Israel will release 30 Palestinian terrorists in each of the beats. A total of 20 Israeli captives will be released in the current extension, and if the move goes through, this will leave approximately 146 hostages in the captivity of Hamas.
Israel has not yet confirmed the reports, but Israeli officials stated that there are "intense contacts and efforts to reach conclusions." According to them, there is still no final agreement on the issue.
As mentioned, in recent hours there have been reports of disputes between Israel and Hamas regarding the list of abductees to be released in the fourth round. Apparently, the basis of the dispute dealt with the release of the mothers, after unverified lists of names of abductees who were supposed to be released were circulated - one of which included 2 elderly women and 9 children, without mothers.
As part of the agreement with Hamas, more hostages are to be released today, after that so far 39 Israelis have been released in 3 batches. Last night, 13 Israelis were released from Hamas captivity, women and children, including 4-year-old Abigail Idan, who has American citizenship. Earlier yesterday, Roni Kariboy, who also holds Russian citizenship, was released, his release was made possible after Russian President Vladimir Putin intervened in the issue.
