Qatar making efforts to extend Gaza truce during next 48 hours: Al Ansari

Dr Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari

Qatar is actively engaged in ongoing mediation efforts to secure a 48-hour extension of the humanitarian pause in the Gaza Strip, facilitating discussions between the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and Israel. Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, the Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced this during the weekly press briefing on Tuesday.

As part of this initiative, Qatar aims to release a total of 20 Israeli hostages, with a commitment to releasing a minimum of 10 hostages daily under the same conditions. The extension of the humanitarian pause is pursued with the goal of reaching a permanent ceasefire agreement through Qatar's mediation.

Dr. Al Ansari reported that on Tuesday, 30 Palestinian civilians were released in exchange for the release of 10 Israeli hostages from Gaza. The Palestinians released from Israeli prisons include 15 minors and 15 women. Notably, among those released from Gaza were a minor, nine women, an Austrian citizen, two Argentinians, and a Filipina citizen. These individuals were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in line with the commitments made during the fifth day of the humanitarian pause.