NATO chief Stoltenberg calls for extension of Gaza truce

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday joined the calls for a continuation of the ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.

"I welcome that the agreement between Hamas and Israel has led to the release of hostages and the delivery of more humanitarian aid," he said in Brussels.

"I call for an extension of the pause. This would allow for much-needed relief to the people of Gaza and the release of more hostages," he added.

Stoltenberg repeated his warning of a potential regional escalation of the conflict.

"We have seen drone and rocket strikes on US positions in Syria and Iraq, as well as attacks on commercial shipping. This underlines the risk of escalation," Stoltenberg said.

"Iran must rein in its proxies," he added.

The four-day ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas was intended to enable a hostage-prisoner swap as well as to allow aid supplies into the otherwise sealed-off Palestinian territory. It is set to expire early Tuesday.