LONDON, November 29. /TASS/. The humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip between Israel and the radical Palestinian movement Hamas may be extended for two more days, Reuters reported, citing sources in the Egyptian security services.
According to the news agency, negotiators believe that the ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave could be extended for one or two more days. Hostage negotiations are said to be "going well," but the issue of releasing Hamas-held Israeli servicemen is an obstacle. Meanwhile, the number of hostages to be released after the ceasefire extension is still under discussion.
An unnamed Israeli official involved in the talks told Reuters of Tel Aviv's belief that Hamas has enough hostages to extend the ceasefire in the enclave for another two to three days.
On November 22, Hamas announced that it had reached, with assistance from mediators Egypt and Qatar, an agreement with Israel for a four-day humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. The agreement calls for the release of 50 women, children and teenagers under the age of 19 held in the Hamas-controlled enclave in exchange for 150 women, children and teenagers under the age of 19 currently held in Israeli prisons. On November 27, the parties agreed to extend the ceasefire for two more days under the same conditions, that is, three Palestinian prisoners will be released daily in exchange for each Israeli hostage released.