While the temporary ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, which began on November 24, was extended for another day on Thursday, a source close to the terror group told news agency AFP that Hamas was willing to extend the truce further. The seven-day pause saw dozens of Israeli hostages exchanged for more than 200 Palestinian prisoners. 

Since its attack on Israel, the Hamas terror group had taken nearly 240 people hostages. More than 13,300 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, according to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza, In Israel, nearly 1,200 people have been killed, mostly during the initial incursion by Hamas.

(With inputs from agencies)