A temporary cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war has been extended another day. Mediator Qatar announced the extension Thursday morning, just minutes before the cease-fire was set to expire. Hamas released two Israeli women from captivity several hours later, with more expected to follow. Israel had agreed to extend the truce by one day for every 10 militant-held hostages who are freed. The cease-fire, which began Nov. 24, has paused the deadliest fighting between Israel and Palestinians in decades. Israel has vowed to resume the war in an effort to end Hamas’ 16-year rule of Gaza. But it’s facing mounting international pressure to spare southern Gaza a devastating ground offensive.
