"Blinken Urges Truce Extension in Gaza for Aid Influx and Hostage Release"

The United States is urging Israel to extend the humanitarian pause in its military offensive in Gaza, allowing for the release of more hostages, including Americans, and the delivery of additional humanitarian aid to Palestinians. The truce, which began on Friday, is set to expire early Thursday. So far, 16 hostages have been released, including two Russian-Israelis and ten Israelis. The Biden administration is also seeking to limit civilian casualties and is planning for the post-conflict period, advocating for the beleaguered Palestinian Authority to administer Gaza. The G7 and the European Union also support a further extension, while Israeli officials insist that the pause will not lead to a permanent cease-fire.