A ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, brokered by Qatar, is scheduled to commence Sunday at 8:30 a.m. local time, according to the Qatari foreign ministry.
Qatari Foreign Minister Majid al-Ansari advised caution during the initial phase of the ceasefire, urging citizens to await further instructions from authorities. This marks the second ceasefire agreement reached during the ongoing conflict.
A deal was finalized early Saturday morning, outlining a ceasefire in Gaza. This includes the phased release of hostages and a temporary halt to hostilities, following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
The agreement stipulates the release of 33 hostages over six weeks, in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The remaining hostages will be freed in a subsequent phase, subject to negotiations during the initial period.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are preparing for the hostages’ return, implementing comprehensive physical and psychological support measures.
Alongside securing the release of all hostages, the IDF will maintain operations to ensure the safety of all Israeli citizens, particularly those residing near the Gaza Strip.
Hamas has conditioned the release of the remaining hostages on a lasting ceasefire and complete Israeli withdrawal.
Uncertainties persist regarding the identities and well-being of the 33 hostages to be released initially. The release schedule involves three hostages on the first day, four on day seven, and the remaining 26 over the following five weeks.
Israel’s justice ministry has published a list of over 700 Palestinian detainees slated for release in the first phase. The ministry specified that this release will not commence before 4 p.m. local time on Sunday.
This represents the second ceasefire achieved during the current conflict.
Israeli forces reported intercepting a missile Saturday morning, shortly before the anticipated ceasefire. Sirens were activated as per standard procedure; however, no injuries were reported as of early Saturday.
A significant influx of humanitarian aid is expected in Gaza. Trucks carrying aid were observed Friday near the Rafah border crossing on the Egyptian side.
The conflict, which began October 7, 2023, with Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 250 abductions, has lasted 15 months. Nearly 100 hostages remain in Gaza. According to Hamas-run health officials, over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s response, without distinguishing between combatants and civilians.
Yael Kuriel and