US hopes Israel and Hamas truce extends to Hezbollah

The US hopes that a four-day truce between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip will also be observed by Lebanese Hezbollah, a US official told reporters.

While Gaza has been the site of fierce Israeli bombardment and deadly ground fighting, Israel has also been exchanging fire along its northern border with Hezbollah.

Wednesday’s truce announcement marks a significant pause in fighting  and is likely to fuel lobbying by Israel's partners for a broader and longer halt. 

US officials have already hinted that they hope the truce extends beyond its initial four days. According to the agreement, there is a possibility that the truce could be extended each day  Hamas releases an additional 10 hostages.

The US official told reporters the deal had “ultimately been structured to incentivise releases beyond 50,” and there was an expectation of further releases.