Qatar's Foreign Ministry says Israel and the Palestinian Islamic group Hamas have agreed to extend the pause in their fighting by one more day.

The ministry announced the second extension of the truce on Thursday. If both Israel and Hamas abide by the agreement, the pause, which was supposed to end on Thursday morning, will continue for another 24 hours.

The truce started last Friday. Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, had agreed to set free hostages in phases in exchange for the release of Palestinians detained by Israel.

So far, Hamas has released 97 Israelis and foreign nationals. Israel reportedly let go 210 Palestinians.

The Israeli military also announced the latest extension in a social media post.

It said the pause in fighting will continue in light of the mediators' efforts that are underway for the release of hostages.

Hamas also said on social media that an agreement has been reached to extend the pause to a seventh day.

Relevant countries are seeking a longer truce and the release of more hostages.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Tel Aviv to meet with Israeli leaders to discuss the further release of hostages and humanitarian aid for Gaza.