Calls for truce extension amid Israel's full-force operation plans once truce concludes

In the latest developments in the Israel-Palestine conflict, a fragile four-day truce in Gaza faces uncertainties as both Israeli and Palestinian forces engage in a series of arrests and exchanges of prisoners.

The truce, which began on Friday, has seen several releases and arrests, adding complexity to the already tense situation, according to an Al Jazeera report.

Israeli forces conducted operations across the occupied West Bank, resulting in the arrest of at least 26 Palestinians in the town of Bani Naim, near Hebron. The arrests extended to various locations, including the Arroub refugee camp and the town of Beitunia.

Despite the truce, violence persisted, with at least six Palestinians killed in the West Bank since Saturday, bringing the total to 239 casualties since October 7.

In a series of three exchanges, a total of 175 individuals were released. Hamas released 39 Israeli citizens, 17 Thais, one Filipino, and one Israeli-Russian citizen. In return, Israel released 117 Palestinian prisoners.

The exchange also included a commitment from Hamas to free 50 women and children in exchange for 150 Palestinian women and children held in Israeli jails. However, Israel claims it is yet to receive a list of 11 hostages expected to be released by Hamas on Monday.

The release of hostages brought emotional moments, including the case of four-year-old Abigail Edan, a US-Israeli dual national orphaned in a previous Hamas attack. US President Joe Biden welcomed the release and expressed hope for the truce's extension as long as prisoners continued to be released.

However, amid these moments of hope, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on a visit to Israeli forces in Gaza, declared the country's determination to continue the campaign until victory.

He indicated that Israel would resume its offensive with full force once the truce concludes, emphasizing the importance of releasing 10 additional hostages daily, as agreed in the original Qatari-brokered deal.

Qatar's Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, stated that Hamas needs to find additional hostages to extend the truce. He mentioned the belief that at least 40 women and children are still detained in Gaza but not by Hamas. A demonstration in Tel Aviv called for the release of hostages, highlighting the increasing role of hostage-related issues as a political force.

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) group, founded in 1981, is currently evaluating the proposal to extend the truce. PIJ leader Daoud Shehab emphasized the group's commitment to the interests of the Palestinian people and its aim to stop the war and prevent further displacement.