There are indications that the release of two mothers and nine children will go forward this evening. In addition, there appears to be agreement on the extension of the humanitarian pause for two more days, in exchanged for the release of 20 additional children and mothers.

Qatar has successfully brokered an extension to the truce between Israel and Hamas, adding two more days to the ceasefire. The extension is expected to facilitate the release of at least twenty more Israeli hostages, with corresponding releases of Palestinian prisoners by Israel. The outcome has yet to be confirmed finally, and even the current day’s release has been delayed by several hours.

The medical front has seen the release of Emily Hand, a nine-year-old who was held captive by Hamas, from the Sheba Medical Center. The hospital is monitoring the health of all released captives and awaits the safe return of the remaining hostages.

However, the condition of the Alma Avraham, 84, remains serious with a threat to her life, as evidence of her mistreatment in captivity and the failure of the Red Cross to do even the minimum to bring her needed medicine in her 50 days as a hostage.

There also remains bitter controversy over the division of mothers and children and the failure of Hamas to keep to the terms of the agreement.

The Prime Minister’s Office has informed the families of hostages who are expected to be released shortly. The hostages include children and women from Kibbutz Nir Oz, a community that suffered greatly during the conflict. Although the Israeli government has not officially confirmed the numbers, Hebrew media reports suggest that 11 hostages will be released imminently.