Mediators Aim to Extend Truce in Gaza Ahead of Last Planned Release of Hostages

RAFAH, Gaza Strip—International mediators appeared to make progress Wednesday on extending the truce in Gaza, encouraging Hamas terrorists to keep freeing hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners and further relief from Israel’s air and ground offensive. The cease-fire will otherwise end within a day. Israel has welcomed the release of dozens of hostages in recent days and says it will maintain the truce if Hamas keeps freeing captives. But it also says it is committed to its other major goal—the annihilation of the terrorist group that has ruled Gaza for 16 years and orchestrated the deadly attack on Israel that triggered the war....