Israel-Gaza war live updates: Eight hostages freed Thursday, as Blinken pushes Israel to protect civilian life after pause

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.