Fourth group of hostages released as Israel and Hamas agree to extend fighting pause

Hamas released a fourth group of hostages on Monday, just hours after Israel and Hamas agreed to extend the pause in the fighting in Gaza by two days.

Driving the news: The militant group released 11 Israelis — nine children and two women — under the deal with Israel.

The big picture: The extension will allow for the release of at least 20 more Israeli hostages — 10 on each day of the pause — in addition to the 50 who were freed as part of the initial ceasefire agreement.

Israel will also allow more aid trucks into Gaza and release three Palestinian prisoners for every additional hostage released, as it did under the current deal.

What they're saying: President Biden welcomed the extension in a statement.

"We will not stop until all of the hostages held by Hamas terrorists are released," Biden said, adding that he has remained "deeply engaged over the last few days to ensure that this deal—brokered and sustained through extensive U.S. mediation and diplomacy—can continue to deliver results."