Netanyahu drags Gaza ceasefire, demands list of hostages from Hamas
The Gaza ceasefire, originally set to commence at 8:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, has been delayed as Israel awaits a finalized list of hostages to be released by Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated, “The ceasefire will not begin until Israel has received the list of released hostages, which Hamas has committed to providing.”
Hamas attributed the delay to “technical field reasons” but reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire, which was brokered following prolonged negotiations.
The initial release of three female hostages was anticipated within 30 minutes of the ceasefire’s start, marking a potential turning point in a 15-month conflict that has destabilized the region.
Despite the pending truce, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continued operations in Gaza. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari confirmed ongoing strikes, emphasizing that “the ceasefire will not come into effect until Hamas fulfils its commitments.” He added that the military remains prepared to enforce the truce or respond to violations.
On the ground, Palestinian casualties persisted, with reports of Israeli shelling in Gaza City’s Al Sha’af neighborhood and areas near Rafah and Khan Younis.
Wafa news agency detailed injuries among returning residents in Rafah, and shelling was observed in Al Shuja’iyya and Al Zeitoun neighborhoods.
Despite the hostilities, displaced families cautiously began returning to their homes in parts of Gaza City, carrying their belongings on foot and on carts, signaling hope amid continued uncertainty.
