2 women hostages released by Hamas, others expected after truce extended for seventh day

Two more hostages have been released Thursday after Israel and Hamas agreed to for an extra day.

The decision came just minutes before the truce was set to expire Wednesday.

The Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum identified Amit Soussana and Mia Schem as the two women released.

said the women are on their way to the Hatzerim military base in southern Israel.

More are expected to be released as the day goes on, the Israeli military said. At least 10 Israelis a day, along with other nationals, have been released during the truce, in return for Israel’s release of at least 30 Palestinian prisoners.

Qatar and Egypt have been key mediators in the truce are are seeking to prolong the deal by another two days, according to Diaa Rashwan, the head of Egypt’s State Information Service.

Before word of Thursday's extension, Palestinian gunmen from the terrorist group Hamas along a main highway entering Jerusalem, according to Israeli police.

Three people were killed and eight were injured, Reuters .

Police told Reuters the terrorists were killed moments later by off-duty soldiers and an armed civilian.

Israeli media identified two of the victims as a woman in her 20s, a woman in her 60s and a 74-year-old rabbi. The gunmen were identified as brothers, 30 and 38, who were affiliated with Hamas and had been jailed in Israel before.

Israel says it will maintain the truce until Hamas stops releasing captives, at which point it will resume military operations aimed at eliminating the group, even as the Biden administration has urged it to operate with far greater precision if it resumes its offensive.

“As soon as Hamas stops releasing mothers, we’re coming for the fathers. As soon as it stops releasing daughters, we’re coming for the sons,” Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy said. “We are going to continue putting unrelenting military pressure on Hamas to release everyone.”

Israel says around 125 men are still held hostage, including several dozen soldiers.

With Wednesday's releases, a total of 73 Israelis, including dual nationals, have been freed during the truce, most of whom appear physically well but shaken. Another 24 hostages — 23 Thais and one Filipino — have also been released, including several men.

Editor's note: The Associated Press contributed to this article.