The release of captives by Israel and Hamas continued on Tuesday, as a pause in the fighting in the Gaza Strip between the two sides was extended for two more days until Wednesday.

Attention is now focused on whether the two sides can agree to a further extension of the truce, as the United States and other parties are working to achieve this.

On Tuesday, Hamas released 12 people including 10 Israelis and two foreign nationals. In exchange for this, Israel released 30 jailed Palestinians.

The Israeli military said under the initial four-day pause until Monday, Hamas had freed 76 hostages who are either Israelis or foreign nationals, and Israel released 150 jailed Palestinians.

If both sides observe the agreement, the pause in the fighting will remain in place at least until Wednesday.

White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby on Tuesday said, "We want to see all hostages out. The way to do that is these pauses," indicating that the US will continue working with Qatar and Egypt as mediators.

A senior Hamas official told local media the group is also ready to negotiate the release of Israeli soldiers held hostage. The remark apparently suggests Hamas' intention of extending the truce.

But major Israeli media outlet Haaretz quoted sources as saying the Israeli side will not agree to a pause that lasts beyond 10 days.