Report: Talks taking place to extend truce by 4 days, free elderly men

Talks are underway to possibly extend a truce between Israel and Hamas and expand the list of eligible hostages who could be released in coming days, the Wall Street Journal reports.

According to the report, citing people familiar with the negotiations, Egypt and Qatar are mediating talks that could see the deal extended by up to another four days. Hamas already agreed to release 50 hostages in exchange for 150 prisoners and a halt in fighting for four days, a deal that expires on Tuesday.

According to Egyptian officials quoted by the paper, elderly men could be released along with women and children, followed by the remains of the deceased. Hamas has refused to consider releasing non-elderly Israeli men, the WSJ reports, though many of those captured were civilians.

Hamas has not yet produced a list of hostages it would be willing to release, the paper reports, citing Qataris and Egyptians.