Israel-Gaza war live updates: More hostages to be freed; Israel expects to further extend pause in combat

Hamas is expected to release its sixth batch of hostages Wednesday during the extended pause in fighting with Israel. Since the pause began last week, 180 Palestinians, 61 Israelis and 20 foreign nationals have been released, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The pause is set to expire Thursday, but Israel expects a further extension of “another two to three days,” an Israeli official told The Washington Post on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive negotiations. But the official said the pause will not “lead to a permanent cease-fire,” adding that the “goal of removing Hamas from its rule in Gaza” remains critical for Israel. Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven and the high representative of the European Union said they support a further extension to the pause, during which aid groups hope to deliver more supplies to Gaza.