In a possible development on the horizon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on November 26, 2023, the potential extension of the humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. He suggested that his government could accept an extension “in exchange for the release of 10 hostages for each additional day of the ceasefire.” Netanyahu conveyed this proposal during a conversation with U.S. President Joe Biden.
Netanyahu emphasized that while they are open to extending the ceasefire, they remain committed to achieving their goals, including eliminating Hamas and ensuring that Gaza does not return to its previous state. He also stressed the release of all captives held in Gaza.
President Biden expressed hope that the four-day ceasefire between Israel and the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) would continue beyond Monday, the scheduled end date. He acknowledged Hamas’s release of a 4-year-old American girl held captive in Gaza and expressed optimism that the ceasefire agreement could lead to further exchanges of detainees and the release of more Americans.
Biden affirmed the success of the exchange process and committed to working with Qatar and the Egyptian president to secure the release of all hostages. He highlighted the two-state solution as the only path to ensure the security of both Israelis and Palestinians.
There are expectations that Americans detained by Hamas might be released in the third and fourth phases of the exchange deal between Israel and Hamas. Negotiators hope to extend the ceasefire by four more days, accompanied by the release of 40 to 50 additional captives.
Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are reportedly engaged in intensive discussions to prolong the temporary humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. Egypt commended Qatar’s efforts in executing the second phase of the ceasefire and emphasized the successful coordination between Egypt and Qatar in completing the hostage exchange and maintaining the ceasefire.
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, indicated that efforts to extend the temporary ceasefire depend on Hamas’s ability to locate dozens of women and children held hostage in Gaza by civilians and gangs. He stated that if Hamas obtains more hostages, the ceasefire could be extended.
Moreover, Sheikh Al Thani mentioned that over 40 other women and children are still detained in Gaza, not believed to be held by Hamas. He asserted that the ceasefire could be extended if Hamas utilizes the cessation of conflict to locate the remaining hostages.
On the military front, the Israeli army continues to gather intelligence on the prisoners still held in Gaza and work towards their return. Israel remains in contact with mediators to recover more prisoners, and the released captives provide relevant information to the security forces.
The Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces, Hertzl Halevi, approved military plans to resume fighting in Gaza after the ceasefire expires. The military expressed readiness to continue preparations and acquire necessary equipment, emphasizing their commitment to eliminating prominent Hamas leaders.
In response, Hamas confirmed its intention to seek an extension of the temporary humanitarian ceasefire with Israel. The movement stated that it aims to increase the number of released detainees through serious discussions, in line with the ceasefire agreement’s provisions.
According to Palestinian sources, Hamas informed the mediators (Qatar and Egypt) of its approval to extend the ceasefire for an additional two to four days.
