Report: More hostages might be released on Shabbat if ceasefire is extended

This development comes after Hamas released the remains of four hostages on Wednesday night, marking the conclusion of the first stage of the ceasefire deal. Despite this, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with approximately 35 of them already declared dead.

Earlier on Thursday, the Hamas terror group responded to accusations made by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz. Katz had claimed that Hamas planned to attack Jewish towns during the ceasefire period. In its reply, Hamas denied the accusations, asserting that it had no intention of attacking Israeli soldiers or towns during the ceasefire.

Hamas also rejected statements regarding the preservation of the border area between Gaza and Egypt as a buffer zone, which Israel considered a violation of the ceasefire agreement. The terror group emphasized its commitment to the ceasefire and its willingness to continue negotiations for the second stage of the agreement.

Reports from Kan News on Wednesday indicated that Israel is in talks with the United States about extending the ceasefire for several weeks to facilitate the release of more hostages. As part of the ongoing negotiations, Israel is considering the possibility of withdrawing from the Philadelphi Corridor and releasing additional Palestinian prisoners. Mediators are aiming to extend the ceasefire through the entire month of Ramadan.

An Israeli official confirmed that Section 14 of the ceasefire agreement allows for the extension, and while Israel is willing to engage in further discussions, it insists that no negotiations will take place without additional hostages being released as compensation.