Hamas released eight Israeli hostages Thursday, according to the Israeli prime minister’s office. Earlier, Israel and Hamas agreed to extend the pause in fighting in Gaza for a seventh day, as the prospect of resumed hostilities looms over the battered enclave. The Israeli government has agreed to put in place a “clear plan” to protect civilians before restarting the war in Gaza, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday after a day of meetings with Israeli leaders, as the United States seeks to pressure Israel to reduce the civilian death toll. Israeli officials have stridently opposed extending the pause into a more lasting cease-fire. The United States has told Israel it does “not support a move to the south” in Gaza once fighting resumes, “unless or until” Israel can account for the safety of the many civilians there, said National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.
