Blinken says to focus on extending Gaza pause on Israel visit

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday he would work to prolong a pause in the fighting in Gaza on an upcoming visit to Israel. 

The US top diplomat said he believed an extension was also in Israel's interest. A current truce in Gaza is scheduled to expire early Thursday after a six-day pause between Israel and Hamas conflict.

Hamas is willing to extend a truce for four days and release more Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a source close to the militant group said Wednesday, as mediators sought a lasting halt to the conflict.