More hostages freed as Israel, Hamas extend cease-fire for two more days

Israel and Hamas agreed Monday to extend their delicate cease-fire for two days, opening the possibility for more hostage releases by the Palestinian militant group and the prospect of a longer halt to the deadliest Israeli war in decades.

As the extension raised hopes for peace, fears of an imminent resumption of fighting soared. Israel said it would adhere to the cease-fire by one day for every 10 hostages Hamas releases.

Hamas confirmed that it had agreed to the extension “under the same terms” after a top official in Qatar, the wealthy Persian Gulf monarchy hosting the group’s political leadership, announced the extension of the “humanitarian truce.”