Mediators scrambling for Israel-Hamas truce extension, as hostages-for-prisoners swaps get harder

By WAFAA SHURAFA, JACK JEFFERY and MELANIE LIDMAN
Associated Press

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Mediators are scrambling to extend an Israel-Hamas truce set to expire just after daybreak Friday. This follows daily exchanges of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel during a week-long pause in fighting. Virtually all of those freed so far have been women and children. Reaching a deal on an extension could prove more challenging as Hamas, a militant group that has ruled Gaza for 16 years, is expected to set a higher price for the remaining hostages, including Israeli soldiers. About 140 hostages remain in Gaza, with more than 100 having been freed as part of the truce.