(NewsNation) – Since the Smooth exchange Given the number of hostages and prisoners between Israel and Hamas during the ongoing ceasefire, concerns have been raised about the consequences.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would welcome an extension of a temporary ceasefire if it meant 10 prisoners would be released each additional day. Hamas also expressed interest in extending the ceasefire.

“The Islamic resistance movement Hamas is seeking to extend the ceasefire after the four-day deadline by making serious efforts to increase the number of people released from detention, as stipulated in the humanitarian ceasefire agreement,” the group said in a press release.

“The lull in fighting will not last forever,” said Jamil Jaffer, founder and executive director of the National Security Institute, acknowledging the delicate balance between humanitarian concerns and the need for strategic decisions. He expressed the hope that the release of more hostages could create space for a negotiated solution to the conflict.

“They will try to resupply, they will try to strengthen their positions,” Jaffer pointed out the challenges facing the Israeli cabinet in determining the extent of concessions before Hamas’s territorial gains risked.

The fourth exchange is expected on Monday – the final day of the ceasefire, when a total of 50 Israeli citizens and 150 Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released.

A further 11 hostages are expected to be released if the trial proceeds without complications. However, the list of names remains uncertain as it is unclear whether it was provided to Israel or to the families.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that 10 American hostages were still in the Gaza Strip as of Sunday.

58 of the hostages held by Hamas since October 7th were successfully releasedThis marks the third day of the negotiated ceasefire. Transitions and handoffs, crucial aspects of the release, were reported to be going smoothly.

Retired Brigadier General John Teichert stressed the importance of Israel’s confirmation of extending the pause in fighting and stressed that Hamas’s preparedness must be tested.

Regarding the ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages, the general expressed concern about Hamas’ cruel tactics, citing the use of civilians as shields and the brutal treatment of hostages.

He acknowledged the difficult conditions some hostages may face, but stressed Israel’s determination to negotiate in good faith to secure their release.

If there is no extended ceasefire, Teichert emphasized that Israeli forces would continue to neutralize and isolate Hamas, particularly in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. He highlighted ongoing efforts to force Hamas to surrender and release more hostages through strategic military actions.

The hostages were taken from Gaza to Egypt and then to Israel with the support of the International Red Cross.

Hamas cited appreciation for Moscow’s handling of the conflict as the reason for releasing a Russian citizen, who was the first male hostage to be released. Previously only women and children were released.

A seriously ill elderly woman who was discharged on Sunday was immediately taken to a hospital. Hospital staff reported her critical condition and attributed it to a lack of adequate care during detention.

The released hostages are now distributed among hospitals in Israel and are receiving psychological care. When reunited with their families, they are expected to provide valuable information, and Israeli authorities are eager to gain insight into their conditions while in captivity.

Although the families have not commented on the issue in detail, some details have come to light. A family whose three relatives were released Friday described irregular eating schedules, significant weight loss, makeshift sleeping arrangements and long waits for the bathroom.

Jaffer expressed skepticism about the potential of these efforts to lead to a lasting ceasefire or an end to the conflict. He emphasized Israel’s desire to dismantle Hamas and its leadership, a seemingly unfulfilled condition that casts doubt on the possibility of a long-term solution through hostage trafficking.

Shift the focus to the attacks US troops In Syria and Iraq, the general emphasized the seriousness of the situation: 70 Americans were injured and one killed in around 66 attacks. Teichert said there was a need for a decisive response, pointing to his experience in Iraq and stressing that strength, capability, will and determination were critical to deter further attacks.

Teichert warned of perceived weakness, which he said encouraged Iran-aligned groups to launch proxy attacks.