The truce between Hamas and Israel may be delayed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday morning that the agreement would not be implemented until Hamas provided the names of the first hostages to be released. The truce is scheduled to enter into force at 8:30 a.m. (7:30 a.m. Polish time).
On Saturday, the Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu reported that his government had still not received the names of the three hostages who were the first to be released by Hamas on Sunday. The Palestinian movement's submission of these names 24 hours in advance was one of the conditions for the entry into force of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
It was previously reported that the three women were to be released on Sunday around 16:30 (15:30 Polish time).
Israel is waiting for the hostages to be releasedAngelika Maj/Fakty o Świecie TVN24 BiS
Hamas on “technical reasons”
The Israeli Prime Minister's statement stated that appropriate instructions have already been received by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which is to suspend the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip for now. “The Prime Minister instructed the IDF that the ceasefire, which is scheduled to come into force at 8:30 a.m. (7:30 a.m. Polish time – ed.), will not begin until Israel receives the list of hostages that Hamas has agreed to provide,” the office said. Netanyahu.
Hamas representatives should provide the names to the authorities, Kan public broadcaster reported Qatarwho were one of the negotiators during the peace talks. Then, this information is to be sent to the head of the Mossad, David Barnea, who will pass the message on to the families of the hostages.
In response, Hamas said in a statement that the delay in releasing the hostages' names was due to “technical reasons.” The Palestinian movement confirmed its readiness to fulfill its obligations and implement the ceasefire agreement.
The Israeli government has approved a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. What's in it?Jacek Tacik/Fakty TVN
Ceasefire agreement
On Friday evening, the Israeli government overwhelmingly approved the agreement with the Palestinian Hamas regarding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. It provides for a ceasefire for six weeks and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
In the first stage, Hamas is to release 33 hostages captured during the organization's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023: all women, children and men over 50 years of age. Israel, in turn, is to release several hundred Palestinian prisoners. According to Israel, a total of 98 hostages are in Hamas' hands.
No later than the 16th day after the ceasefire comes into force, negotiations are to begin on the next stage of the agreement, which is to include the release of all remaining hostages, a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from the Gaza Strip.
The third stage will involve handing over the bodies of the remaining hostages to the Israeli side and starting the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
Jewish Power leaves the coalition
The far-right Jewish Power party announced on Saturday that it would leave the ruling coalition as a sign of protest against the government's acceptance of the ceasefire agreement, the Times of Israel reported.
Jewish Power announced on Saturday that its two ministers in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government: internal security Itamar Ben Gvir and national heritage Amihai Eliyahu, will formally resign from their positions on Sunday morning and leave the coalition.
According to the Times of Israel, another far-right party, Religious Zionism, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotricz, will remain in the government and coalition for now, even though it also opposes the agreement with Hamas. According to the website, Netanyahu reached an agreement with Smotrich to keep his faction in the government.
Israel and Hamas to suspend fightingAngelika Maj/Fakty o Świecie TVN24 BiS
Israel's war with Hamas
The war between Israel and Hamas began in October 2023 with an attack by this organization and an associated coalition of armed terrorist groups on Israel.
Palestinian militants launched attacks on border kibbutzim, military bases and young people gathered for a music festival. Over 1.2 thousand people died in the attacks. people, including citizens of over 30 countries. 251 people were abducted to the Gaza Strip.
Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip (03/01/2025)PAP/EPA/MOHAMMED SABER
In response to these events, Israel launched a large-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip. According to the Palestinian authorities, over 46,000 people died and over 100,000 were injured.
Main photo source: PAP/EPA/ATEF SAFADI