Israel is anticipating a ceasefire in the Gaza war, despite Hamas not yet naming the hostages it will release on Sunday. The terror group was expected to announce the three civilian women it would release on Saturday, but as Sunday approached, the list of names had not been provided, causing uncertainty just hours before the truce was scheduled to begin. However, Israeli officials still expect the ceasefire to proceed, with reports indicating that Hamas will soon publicize the names, leading to a cessation of hostilities and the release of the hostages. Hamas has attributed the delay to technical issues.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the Security Cabinet and the Government have approved the plan for the return of the hostages, emphasizing the importance of this mission in the ongoing conflict. The ceasefire is set to start at 8:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, with the hostages expected to be released later that night. This ceasefire marks the first break in the 15-month war since a previous truce in November 2023, during which over 100 hostages were freed.
The release of the hostages on Sunday is anticipated to kick off a six-week ceasefire period, during which Hamas is supposed to gradually release 33 hostages, including some believed to be deceased, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians convicted of security-related charges. This initial stage is intended to pave the way for a permanent ceasefire, with subsequent phases involving a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the release of the remaining 98 hostages, living and deceased, held by Hamas. In return, Israel is expected to release over 1,000 Palestinian security prisoners.
While the later stages of the ceasefire are yet to be negotiated, Netanyahu cautioned that the fighting in Gaza could resume if the talks fail. He highlighted the support of both President Trump and President Biden for Israel’s right to return to combat if necessary. However, incoming President Trump expressed his desire for the ceasefire to hold, urging an end to the conflict while emphasizing the need to address the underlying issues.
Protests against the ceasefire erupted in Jerusalem, with demonstrators blocking the entrance to the city, while a rally in Tel Aviv advocating for the release of the hostages drew thousands. The Gaza war, initiated by Hamas on October 7, 2023, has led to a prolonged conflict for Israel, with additional challenges emerging even as the ceasefire is about to commence. On Saturday, Israel intercepted missiles fired by the Houthi rebels from Yemen, although the group indicated a halt in attacks once the ceasefire takes effect.
Furthermore, a Palestinian from the West Bank carried out a stabbing attack in central Tel Aviv, seriously injuring an Israeli man in what authorities described as a terrorist incident. The situation remains tense as the ceasefire looms, with hopes for a lasting resolution to the conflict in the region.
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