Israel-Gaza updates: Israel says ground operation underway in southern Gaza

The cease-fire between Israel and Hamas has been extended, the Israel Defense Forces announced early Thursday morning.

In a post on X, the IDF said that due to the work of the mediators, who are continuing to work on deals to get the hostages released, the cease-fire would "continue."

Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson also confirmed the news, saying in a statement, “The Palestinian and Israeli sides have reached an agreement to extend the humanitarian truce in the Gaza Strip by an additional day (today, Thursday) under the same previous terms, which are a ceasefire and the entry of humanitarian aid,” Majid Al-Ansari's statement read.

In a statement to state news agency QNA, the spokesman affirmed mediators continue to "intensify efforts with the aim of reaching a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip."

President Joe Biden said Liat Beinin Atzili, an American-Israeli dual national who was one of 16 hostages released from Gaza on Wednesday, is "safe" in Egypt and that he has spoken to her parents.

"I've got some very good news to report. Liat Beinin is safe in Egypt. She's crossed the border," Biden told reporters as he was boarding Air Force One in Pueblo, Colorado.

"I talked with her mother and father and they're very appreciative and things are moving well," Biden said. "She'll soon be home with her three children. That's all I have to say for right now."

The president did not respond when asked for an update on other Americans who might be released.

-ABC News' Selina Wang

Sixteen hostages were released from Gaza on Wednesday.

Ten hostages were released in exchange for 30 Palestinian prisoners, according to the Qatari foreign minister, just before the truce was set to expire.

Among the 10 hostages exchanged for the Palestinian prisoners was 49-year-old Liat Beinin Atzili, an American-Israeli dual national.

The other released Israeli hostages were: 13-year-old Gali Tarshanksy, 17-year-old Ofir Engel, 54-year-old Raaya Rotem, 57-year-old Raz Ben Ami, 36-year-old Yarden Roman, 16-year-old Amit Shani, 18-year-old Itay Regev, 40-year-old Stela Yanai and 18-year-old Liam Or.

In addition, two Russian-Israeli citizens and four Thai citizens were also handed over to the Red Cross outside the framework of the agreement, the Qatari foreign minister said.

According to officials, 145 people remain hostages.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. representative to the United Nations, said the U.S. is "hopeful" that the truce between Israel and Hamas -- set to expire Wednesday night -- will be extended.

Another extension "is all in the hands of Hamas," she said. "The Israelis have said if they continue to release 10 hostages a day, they will extend by a day. So it truly is … it is in their hands. But I do think there is a potential for that, and we're actively working to extend the deal."

"We will not rest until all hostages are free," she continued. "And if Hamas chooses to continue to release hostages, then Israel is prepared to continue the pause in the fighting."