Hamas is expected to release its sixth batch of hostages Wednesday during an extended pause in fighting with Israel. Since the pause began last week, 180 Palestinians, 61 Israelis and 20 foreign nationals have been released, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. It is set to expire Thursday, but Israel expects a further extension of “another two to three days,” an Israeli official told The Washington Post. Israel is also willing to consider Hamas proposals to expand the exchanges to include men and Israeli soldiers, the official said, but the pause will not “lead to a permanent cease-fire.” The “goal of removing Hamas from its rule in Gaza” remains a critical war goal for Israel, the official said.
