Israel may extend Gaza truce to secure prisoner returns
dawn.com —
Israel is considering extending a 42-day truce in Gaza, which is set to end on Saturday. The focus is on securing the return of 63 remaining prisoners, while discussions on Gaza's future governance are postponed. If no agreement is reached by Friday, fighting may resume or the current situation may freeze, with no prisoner exchanges and potential aid blockages. Negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a second phase of the ceasefire have not yet begun. In the West Bank, Israeli forces have demolished parts of the Jenin refugee camp, displacing at least 40,000 Palestinians. The military is preparing for a long-term presence, with Defense Minister Israel Katz indicating that residents will not be allowed to return.