Hopes for extension of Israel-Hamas truce as more hostages released

A group of Israelis celebrate as a helicopter carrying hostages released from the Gaza Strip lands in Israel. Picture: Leo Correa

There are hopes that the temporary truce between Israel and Hamas can go on as long as hostages are being released, after the militant group freed 17 more people, including a 4-year-old Israeli-American girl.

Hamas said it wanted to extend the pause in fighting, which will enter its fourth day and final agreed day on Monday, if serious efforts were made to increase the number of Palestinian detainees released by Israel.