The pause that has temporarily halted fighting between Israel and Hamas was set to expire at 7 a.m. Friday local time. Although neither side has ruled out extending the pause, there was no announcement of an extension hours before the deadline. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters Thursday, while on a visit to Tel Aviv, that Israel must minimize civilian deaths in Gaza once fighting resumes. “We made clear the imperative … that there be a clear plan in place that puts a premium on protecting civilians,” Blinken said. “And the Israeli government agreed with that approach.” On Thursday, eight more hostages and 30 Palestinian prisoners were freed in the latest captive exchange.