Israel and Hamas have agreed to extend the current cease-fire by two days, according to the Qatari government. This extension comes after four days of relative calm in the Gaza Strip, following seven weeks of intense warfare. The agreement between the two sides includes a deal to exchange more hostages and prisoners, as well as allowing more aid into the struggling territory. As part of the agreement, Hamas released 11 Israelis, including a mother and her 3-year-old twins. Israel, in return, provided Hamas with a list of 33 Palestinian prisoners that they planned to release. The lengthened cease-fire has raised hopes in Washington for the release of more captives and increased humanitarian aid for Gaza, where thousands of civilians have been killed and conditions are dire. John F. Kirby, a White House spokesman, welcomed the extension of the cease-fire and expressed the desire for it to be further extended until all hostages are released. The United Nations Secretary-General, Ant??nio Guterres, also expressed hope and humanity in the midst of the darkness of war. The deal between Israel and Hamas was reached after Israel offered to extend the cease-fire by one day for every 10 additional hostages released. On Monday, 11 Israeli hostages, including three women and eight children, were released by Hamas. The hostages had been kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the Hamas-led assault on Israel on October 7. The French government confirmed that three of those released were dual Israeli-French citizens. Hamas announced that it had received a list of three women and 30 minors that Israel would release in return. The exchange of hostages and prisoners is being negotiated by the government of Qatar, which has been acting as an intermediary for nations that refuse to directly deal with Hamas. The cease-fire extension will also allow for more aid, including medicine, food, and fuel, to be delivered to Gaza. Since Friday, Hamas has released 50 Israeli hostages and Israel has freed 150 Palestinian prisoners. Despite the cease-fire, conditions in Gaza remain desperate, with many residents still unable to find food or cooking gas for their families. The extension of the cease-fire has offered a glimmer of hope for the people of Gaza, who have suffered greatly during the conflict. Families have taken advantage of the lull in fighting to check on loved ones, stock up on supplies, and even enjoy a day at the beach. However, the respite is not guaranteed to last, as Israel has made it clear that it intends to resume fighting once the cease-fire ends if Hamas does not release more hostages. The ultimate goal for Israel is to eliminate Hamas and free all remaining captives.