Israel Says Cease-Fire , Could Continue If Hamas Agrees , to Release More Hostages.<br />Associated Press reports that Israel and Hamas <br />said they remain open to extending a cease-fire <br />beyond its original November 27 deadline. .<br />According to Israel, the truce would be <br />extended by one day for every ten additional <br />hostages that Hamas agrees to release.<br />The four-day truce came into effect on November 24, <br />following weeks of indirect negotiations which were <br />mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the United States.<br />Despite the brief respite, Israel has emphasized that <br />it remains committed to destroying Hamas' military <br />capability and ending their 16-year rule over Gaza. .<br />AP reports this suggests that Israel will expand its <br />ground offensive to include the south of Gaza, where <br />hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have fled. .<br />AP reports this suggests that Israel will expand its <br />ground offensive to include the south of Gaza, where <br />hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have fled. .<br />Despite the increased delivery of aid <br />and other vital supplies, the conditions <br />in United Nations shelters remains dire. .<br />Despite the increased delivery of aid <br />and other vital supplies, the conditions <br />in United Nations shelters remains dire. .<br />According to Israel, operations will resume <br />in "full force" once the current cease-fire expires, <br />unless Hamas agrees to release more hostages.<br />According to Israel, operations will resume <br />in "full force" once the current cease-fire expires, <br />unless Hamas agrees to release more hostages.<br />Two officials from Egypt told AP that talks <br />have been aimed at having the cease-fire <br />extended for an additional four days. .<br />However, ongoing fighting in the occupied <br />West Bank has complicated those negotiations <br />and left the outcome in question. .<br />AP reports that sixty-two of the estimated <br />240 people held hostage by Hamas <br />have now been released.
