Israel and Hamas agree to extend truce for two more days, and to free more hostages and prisoners

By TIA GOLDENBERG, JACK JEFFERY and SAMY MAGDY
Associated Press

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel and Hamas have agreed to extend their cease-fire for two more days past Monday. That raises the prospect of an even longer halt to their deadliest and most destructive war, and further exchanges of militant-held hostages for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. The announcement, made by a spokesman for Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, came on the final day of the original four-day truce between the warring sides. As part of a fourth swap under the original deal, Hamas released 11 Israelis on Monday night, and Israel released 33 Palestinians.