The ceasefire has allowed much-needed humanitarian aid to enter Gaza after much of the coastal territory of 2.3 million people was left in ruins by Israeli bombardment in response to a deadly attack by Hamas militants on October 7.
Hamas, which released 16 hostages in exchange for 30 Palestinian prisoners last Wednesday (29/11/2023), said in a statement that the ceasefire would continue until the seventh day.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military in a statement released minutes before the temporary ceasefire expired at 05.00 GMT stated that the operational pause would continue in light of the mediators' efforts to continue the hostage release process, and subject to the terms of the framework.
According to a spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry, which is the main mediator between the conflicting parties, along with Egypt and the United States, the ceasefire conditions, including the cessation of hostilities and the influx of humanitarian aid, will remain the same.
Previously, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2712 which called for the extension of the urgent humanitarian pause in the Gaza Strip to facilitate the provision of essential goods and services to the local population. At the UN Security Council meeting last Wednesday (29/11), UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres emphasized the need for a "true humanitarian ceasefire" to reach a two-state solution.
Wednesday's council meeting coincided with the commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with Palestinians, marked every November 29 since 1977.
Until the ceasefire was announced on Friday (24/11), the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza stated that more than 15,000 Palestinians, including more than 6,000 children had been killed and 36,000 others injured.
As stated by Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, it is hoped that Hamas and Israel will reach a complete ceasefire and a permanent peaceful solution so that each party can start again and build their new life in peace.