After the delay of the implementation of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, it appears that the last hurdle to a fire pause has been cleared. Israel confirmed that the Hamas had submitted the names of the three remaining hostages, who are to be released on Sunday, as scheduled. The start of the ceasefire is now announced for 11:15 AM local time (10:15 AM Central European Time).
Earlier, the start, which had been scheduled for 8:15 AM local time, had been delayed, as Israel had accused the Hamas of not having submitted a list of hostages as agreed upon. Consequently, further clashes in the Gaza Strip had occurred on Sunday morning.
The deal, in part, provides for the release of 33 hostages by the Hamas, who were kidnapped from Israel during the attacks on October 7, 2023. In return, Israel is expected to release almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The IDF troops are to withdraw from the Gaza Strip in a step-by-step process. The release of the remaining hostages is to be negotiated later – the number of those still alive is unclear. The ceasefire is to last for an initial 42 days.