A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has officially begun in Gaza, following a last-minute delay that pushed the start time nearly three hours later than initially scheduled. At 09:15 GMT, Israel confirmed the truce was in effect after orders from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu caused the unexpected postponement.
The cessation of hostilities marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict, sparking hopes for a lasting peace in the region. The truce was also confirmed by the spokesperson of Qatar’s foreign ministry, highlighting the international community’s role in facilitating the agreement.
As part of the ceasefire terms, Netanyahu’s office announced that the release of three captives held in Gaza is set to take place on Sunday afternoon. In exchange, a first group of Palestinian prisoners will be freed. This reciprocal release is seen as a critical step toward easing tensions and building trust between the parties.
Furthermore, Netanyahu’s office stated that four additional living female hostages are expected to be freed in seven days. The liberation of hostages has been a central issue in negotiations, and their impending release is anticipated to have a significant impact on humanitarian efforts in the region.
The ceasefire and the planned prisoner exchanges represent a moment of cautious optimism. Observers worldwide are watching closely to see if this development will pave the way for more comprehensive discussions and a potential resolution to the longstanding conflict.
