Israel-Gaza updates: Hope for temporary ceasefire extension grows with talk of Israel extending it

Israel and Hamas have released more people as part of the ceasefire deal.

Another 30 Palestinian prisoners have been released by Israel on the fifth day of the extended temporary ceasefire with Hamas.

The truce was expected to last four-days but was extended by two days on Monday.

There are reports Israel is willing to extend the ceasefire for a total of nine days, with three more days already reportedly agreed to.

Earlier Hamas had released 12 hostages who had been held captive since October 7.

Hamas has released 81 hostages since the ceasefire began last Friday, while Israel has let 180 Palestinians go free.

Here are the latest developments:

Temporary ceasefire could be extended again

Qatar has said it is working with both sides to try and extend the temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in attempt to delay the expected resumption of the war.

The discussion of a ceasefire extension was also brought up at the United Nations General Assembly annual debate on the Middle East, where Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour called for a permanent ceasefire.

“As the Assembly’s resolution had foreseen, only a truce could allow sincere efforts to begin to address the humanitarian catastrophe being inflicted by Israel, the occupying power in Gaza,” he said.

“Only a truce could lead to the release of people held in captivity and avoid further regional escalation. This truce must turn into a permanent ceasefire. The massacres of Palestinian children, women and men cannot resume. Should not resume. You should not allow it to resume. That human conscience cannot bear it.”

He added that “nothing can ever justify war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide”.

Israel has denied targeting civilians.

Israel and Hamas accuse each other of breaching ceasefire

Both sides have accused each other of breaching the temporary ceasefire which began last Friday.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement three explosive devices were detonated near its troops in the northern parts of the Gaza Strip.

It has also claimed militants have shot at its soldiers.

Hamas has confirmed its fighters have fired at the IDF too.

ABC/wires