New Delhi:
After several hours of delay, the ceasefire finally came into effect in Gaza on Sunday. Hamas releases the names of the first three Israeli hostages to be released. Israel said that, after a last-minute delay, the ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza began at 11:15 am local time (09:15 GMT and 2:45 PM IST) on the orders of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The ceasefire started about three hours late than scheduled.
Gaza’s civil defense agency said eight people were killed in Israeli attacks amid delays in starting the ceasefire. The Israeli military also confirmed that it was continuing to “attack the Gaza Strip” following instructions from Netanyahu.
Gaza civil defense spokesman Mahmoud Bassal said three people were killed in the north of the territory and five in Gaza City, while 25 were wounded.
Meanwhile, Israel released pictures of 33 hostages in a post on Twitter and wrote that we are eagerly waiting for all of you.
Delay in implementation of agreement
In a statement issued less than an hour before the ceasefire was to begin, Netanyahu’s office said he had “instructed the IDF (army) that the ceasefire will not begin until Israel returns those hostages.” The list of those who are to be released is not available.
Meanwhile, Hamas blamed “technical reasons” as well as “the complexities of the situation in the area and the continuous bombardment” for the delay in sharing the list. Ultimately the names of three Israeli women were released. The names were released about three hours after the deadline on Sunday.
Israel confirmed that it had received the list and was “verifying the details”. He confirmed soon after that the ceasefire would begin at 11:15 am local time.
Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar said on the beginning of the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel that this is a good sign. Israel is capable of releasing all its hostages. He thanked Israel for the help and cooperation received from India.