The experts have called for “prompt, transparent and independent” probes into events in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories
News Desk
Doha: Majed Al-Ansari confirms in a statement that “an agreement has been reached to extend the humanitarian truce for an additional two days in the Gaza Strip.”
In a statement, the Palestinian resistance movement HAMAS says that the temporary truce was extended in agreement with Qatar and Egypt and in accordance with the same conditions.
State Information Service (SIS), has said.
The two-day extension would include the release of 20 Israeli hostages and 60 Palestinian detainees, he said.
With the release of 11 Israeli hostages expected on Monday, negotiations continue for the release of 33 Palestinians, Rashwan added.
Germany says it supports the extension of the truce, adding it should be used as “a bridge to a political process” for a lasting solution.
Deputy foreign ministry spokesperson Kathrin Deschauer told reporters that Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stressed to attendees at the meeting for foreign ministers in Spain that the truce must last “as long as possible” so that captives can be released and humanitarian aid can be sent to Gaza.
“The central thing we are currently struggling to do is see each other’s suffering. Because only if the suffering of others can be healed will your own suffering also end. Israelis can only live in security if Palestinians live in security,” Baerbock reportedly said.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says at least 215 Palestinians, including 55 children, have been killed by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank since October 7.
At least eight other people, including one child, were killed by Israeli settlers whose attacks have spiked since the Gaza assault began.
The experts have called for “prompt, transparent and independent” probes into events in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories on October 7 and thereafter.
“Independent investigators must be given the necessary resources, support and access required to conduct prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into crimes allegedly committed by all parties to the conflict,” the experts said in a statement, calling on Israel, the Palestinian Authority and the de facto authorities in Gaza to cooperate fully with investigations.
Morris Tidball-Binz, special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, and Alice Jill Edwards, special rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, signed the letter.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is pushing for a complete humanitarian ceasefire over of a temporary truce, saying the “humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is getting worse by the day.”
In a statement, Guterres’ spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said, “The dialogue that led to the agreement must continue, resulting in a full humanitarian ceasefire, for the benefit of the people of Gaza, Israel and the wider region.
“The United Nations will continue to support these efforts in every possible way,” he said.
Guterres reiterated his call for the captives held by Hamas to be released immediately and unconditionally, Dujarric said.
During the past days of the pause, the UN has been able to scale up its humanitarian aid deliveries. Still, Dujarric said the aid “barely registers against the huge needs of 1.7 million displaced people”.
