Islamabad, Jan 19: A highly anticipated ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict faced unexpected delays on Sunday, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared it would not commence until Hamas provided a detailed list of hostages slated for release.
Hamas stated its commitment to the ceasefire but attributed the delay to “technical reasons” related to finalizing the names for the initial release. Netanyahu’s office, however, issued a statement just an hour before the planned start at 8:30 am (0630 GMT), emphasizing that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had been instructed to withhold the ceasefire until the list was received.
The agreement’s initial phase involves the release of three Israeli hostages in exchange for a group of Palestinian prisoners. If implemented, the ceasefire would facilitate the return of 33 hostages held in Gaza since Hamas’s devastating attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, marking the deadliest assault in the nation’s history.
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Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Agreement: Hostages to Be Released
Qatar, the United States, and Egypt brokered the 42-day truce after months of diplomatic efforts. The arrangement will free hundreds of Palestinian detainees from Israeli prisons.
This ceasefire aims to provide a foundation for resolving the conflict, which has persisted for over 15 months.
Addressing the nation on Saturday, Netanyahu described the agreement as a “temporary ceasefire,” adding that Israel retained U.S. backing to resume military action if necessary. “If we must return to war, we will do so with determination and strength,” he declared.
Despite official delays, celebrations erupted across Gaza, with footage capturing jubilant crowds in Deir el-Balah shortly after the ceasefire’s scheduled start time.
People hugged, clapped, and documented the moment with their phones.
However, military operations continued. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, an IDF spokesperson, confirmed ongoing strikes in Gaza, asserting, “The ceasefire will only begin when Hamas fulfills its commitments.”
Around 30 minutes after the announced truce time, plumes of smoke were visible in northeastern Gaza, underscoring the fragile nature of the situation and the challenges in enforcing the agreement.
