Negotiators including from Qatar and the US pressed to maintain the truce agreement for Gaza that’s due to end in hours, with the prospect of an extension for at least two more days increasingly likely,

International mediators appeared to make progress Wednesday on extending the truce in Gaza, encouraging Hamas militants to keep freeing hostages in exchange for the release of

As the truce between Israel and Hamas enters its final 24 hours, negotiators from Qatar, Egypt and the US are pressing for an extension to try to secure the release of additional captives and avert a resumption of a war that erupted almost two months ago.

Israel has welcomed the release of dozens of hostages in recent days and says it will maintain the truce if Hamas keeps freeing captives.