In a significant move towards peace, Israel and Hamas have initiated the first phase of a ceasefire agreement, involving the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The ceasefire, announced last week, aims to conclude a 15-month war that has destabilized the Middle East. However, the initial steps of this agreement have been marred by delays and continued violence.
Israel's state X account shared an image of the 33 hostages set to be released in the first phase of the ceasefire deal. Meanwhile, Hamas's armed wing disclosed the names of three living female hostages to be released today: Emily Damari, 28, Romi Gonen, 24, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31. This phase anticipates the exchange of over 30 hostages, including women, children, and elderly individuals, for Palestinian prisoners detained in Israeli jails.
The ceasefire consists of three stages, with the current phase focusing on the mutual release of hostages and prisoners. Despite the agreement's promise, tensions escalated when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Hamas for failing to provide the names of hostages due for release. Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari reinforced this sentiment, stating that Hamas was not fulfilling its obligations, prompting Israeli forces to continue their operations.
"Continues to attack." – Rear Adm Daniel Hagari, the top Israeli military spokesman.
The timing of the agreement's progress remains uncertain. Nevertheless, mediators have assured that Hamas will deliver the necessary list of hostages to Israel. Reports from Channel 12 confirmed that Israel received the names of hostages scheduled for release under the ceasefire agreement.
The delay on the ceasefire's first day highlights the deal's fragility. Hamas attributed this setback to a "technical" issue. In a tragic development, the Hamas-run civil defense agency reported that eight individuals were killed following Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire was supposed to commence. The Israeli military confirmed ongoing attacks in the area, targeting "terror targets" in northern and central Gaza.
The ceasefire deal emerged from extensive mediation talks in Qatar and secured approval from both parties. A critical aspect of this agreement involves releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Despite these diplomatic efforts, the recent violence underscores the precarious nature of peace in the region.