Israel- Hamas ceasefire deal begins

A temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has commenced after a three-hour delay, facilitating a critical step toward de-escalation in the ongoing conflict. Mediator Qatar today confirmed the start of the truce.

Israel has confirmed receiving from Hamas the names of the three captives to be freed on the first day of the implementation of the agreement. Prime Minister of Israel on social media platform X posted that they have received the list of the hostages who are due to be released today according to the framework. He said, the security establishment is now checking the details.

In a statement, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s office also says four other female hostages could be freed in seven days.

The agreement involves the release of captives by both sides, with Hamas set



to free 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and elderly individuals taken during the 7th October 2023 attack. In exchange, Israel will release a larger number of Palestinian prisoners and around 1,000 detained post-October 7.

Reports say, displaced Palestinians in Gaza have begun returning to their homes.

The deal, brokered with the help of Qatar, the US, and Egypt, also allows up to 600 aid trucks daily into Gaza.

Injured Palestinians will be permitted to leave the enclave for medical treatment, with the Rafah crossing to Egypt set to reopen in seven days.

The ceasefire’s first phase, lasting six weeks, includes partial Israeli troop withdrawals, increased humanitarian aid, and the prisoner exchange.