Israel and Hamas agree to extend truce

A six day truce between Hamas and Israel has been extended, both sides said early on Thursday morning just minutes before the truce was set to expire. 

Israel said the truce would be extended, "in light of the mediators' efforts to continue the process of releasing hostages, and subject to the terms of the agreement." 

Hamas confirmed the statement saying it had agreed to extend the truce  for a seventh day.

There was pressure for both sides to extend the truce to allow more hostage releases and additional aid into devastated Gaza.