In the closing hours of a critical truce between Israel and Hamas, diplomatic efforts are intensifying. With the U.S. leading the charge to extend the ceasefire, both sides are setting conditions for its prolongation.
The key focus is a prisoner exchange. Israel proposes extending the ceasefire by a day in exchange for 10 additional captives. Meanwhile, Hamas demands more Palestinian prisoners be released for continued peace.
President Biden is emphasizing the importance of extending the truce and anticipates more hostage releases and humanitarian aid for Gaza. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is headed to Israel, followed by discussions at a NATO meeting in Brussels, where the Gaza situation will be a key topic.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains focused on Israel’s military objectives and the ultimate defeat of Hamas. As international mediators like Qatar, Egypt, the U.S., Spain, and other E.U. countries work tirelessly, the question is can this truce turn into a more lasting peace or is it just a brief respite in the long-standing conflict?
Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.
