U.S. envoy visits Middle East to negotiate Gaza truce extension

A U.S. envoy will visit the Middle East this week to negotiate an extension of the Gaza truce, which is set to end in early March. The envoy aims to secure more time for negotiations and the release of hostages. Hamas has accused Israel of jeopardizing the truce by delaying the release of Palestinian prisoners. Meanwhile, Israel has expanded military operations in the occupied West Bank amid rising tensions. The envoy expressed confidence that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to extend the ceasefire. He emphasized that Hamas should not have a role in Gaza's governance moving forward.