Lagatar24 Desk
Jerusalem: A ceasefire in Gaza officially began at 11:15 am local time (09:15 GMT, 2:45 pm IST) on Sunday, following delays caused by last-minute negotiations over the release of Israeli hostages. The truce was initially scheduled to start hours earlier but was postponed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who insisted on receiving the list of hostages before halting military operations.
Ceasefire Delays and Hostage Release
Israeli airstrikes continued past the original ceasefire deadline, reportedly killing 13 Palestinians in Gaza. Hamas attributed delays in sharing the names of hostages to “technical reasons” and ongoing Israeli bombings, which complicated the process. The three hostages set for release on Sunday were identified as Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari.
Terms of the Ceasefire Deal
The ceasefire agreement, mediated by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt, aims to pave the way for an end to the Gaza war. Key terms include:
•Six-week first phase: Release of 33 Israeli hostages, prioritized by age, health, and vulnerability, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
•Hostage exchange process: For each Israeli hostage, 30 Palestinian prisoners will be freed. The first three hostages are expected to be handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Sunday.
•Mediator involvement: Qatar, the US, and Egypt will oversee the implementation and humanitarian efforts during the truce.
The Broader Context of the War
The war, which began on October 7, 2023, has led to widespread devastation:
•Over 47,000 Palestinians killed and Gaza reduced to rubble due to Israeli retaliation.
•Regional tensions heightened, with Iran, a supporter of Hamas, engaging in broader anti-Israel actions.
The truce offers a glimmer of hope for de-escalation, although its long-term sustainability remains uncertain.
