Jerusalem: A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas will officially come into effect from 8.30 am local time on Sunday, marking a temporary halt to the 15-month-long war between the two sides. The ceasefire was approved by Israeli Cabinet on Saturday.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the ceasefire is temporary and that Israel retains the right to resume military actions if necessary.
Netanyahu’s warning
In a post on X, Netanyahu stated that the ceasefire’s progress depends on Hamas adhering to the agreement, particularly in providing a list of hostages to be released. Netanyahu warned that any violations would hold Hamas fully accountable.
Addressing the nation, Netanyahu claimed that Israel’s military successes in Lebanon and Syria had forced Hamas to agree to the ceasefire. He also mentioned receiving support from US President-elect Donald Trump during a discussion.
Details of ceasefire agreement
The ceasefire includes a phased prisoner exchange. In the first phase, Hamas is set to release 33 Israeli hostages, while Israel will free approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. The hostages to be released by Hamas include women and children under the age of 19.
The prisoner release will take place over six weeks, starting at 4 pm local time on Sunday. The process involves significant security arrangements, including ensuring the hostages’ safe return before Palestinian prisoners are released. Israel’s Justice Ministry has already published a list of over 700 Palestinian prisoners who will be freed in the initial phase.
Some of the Palestinian prisoners will face deportation, either permanently or temporarily, depending on their charges. Individuals convicted of deadly attacks will not be allowed to return to Israel or the West Bank.
Hostages and humanitarian aid
The ceasefire agreement allows for humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza. Large numbers of aid trucks are waiting near Rafah border in Egypt to deliver essential supplies to the region. Egyptian officials are overseeing preparations to assist injured individuals and distribute relief.
Under the ceasefire terms, Israeli forces will pull back to the buffer zone, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to their homes, including in Gaza City and northern Gaza.
Despite the announcement of the ceasefire, tensions remain high. On Saturday, sirens sounded in central Israel as the military intercepted a rocket launched from Yemen. The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who claimed responsibility, have intensified missile attacks in recent weeks to pressure Israel and Western nations to halt the conflict in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza continued, with reports from the Palestinian Health Ministry stating that 23 people were killed on Saturday.
