Egypt reported receiving encouraging indications from all involved parties regarding the potential extension of the Gaza truce by one or two days. Diaa Rashwan, the head of Egypt’s State Information Service (SIS), stated that extensive discussions are underway with all parties to secure an agreement for prolonging the four-day truce. He emphasized that such an extension would involve the release of additional detainees in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
Since the unprecedented attack by Hamas militants on Israeli towns starting October 7, Israel’s response has resulted in the bloodiest and most destructive offensive in the 40km-long (25 miles) Gaza enclave. Palestinian health officials in the Hamas-run territory report that the bombardment has claimed the lives of over 14,000 people, with 40% of them being children, and has devastated residential areas. Concerns persist about additional unrecorded bodies beneath the rubble.
Despite Israel’s prior directive for civilians to evacuate the north of the strip, the military continued to bombard the south, where hundreds of thousands sought refuge, including in areas like Najjar’s home. Civilians were advised not to return to the north during the truce, and those who relocated south are now seeking information from those who remained behind. Meanwhile, at the Rafah crossing with Egypt, trucks were observed on Saturday, slowly moving over the border and into Gaza, bringing much-needed fresh supplies.
