A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip has been delayed, leaving families anxiously waiting for the release of hostages held captive for 15 months.
The truce, initially set to take effect at 8:30 a.m. local time, was aimed at halting Israeli strikes that have resulted in the deaths of over 46,800 Palestinians.
According to Israel Defense Forces spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the ceasefire was postponed due to Hamas’ failure to provide a list of names of hostages to be released.
Hagari stated, “The IDF continues its operations inside the Gaza area at this moment, as long as Hamas does not adhere to the agreement and with all that it entails.”
He further emphasized that the ceasefire would not commence until Hamas fulfilled its commitments, as directed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Hamas, however, claimed that the delay was due to “technical reasons in the field” and reaffirmed its commitment to the truce. Despite the setback, the ceasefire is expected to facilitate the gradual release of hostages, including 33 individuals who will be freed in exchange for 1,904 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
Two American hostages, Sagui Dekel-Chen and Keith Siegel, are anticipated to be among the first group released, with fellow dual national Edan Alexander scheduled for release in the second stage. The Israeli government has also confirmed that three female hostages will be released on Sunday, with 30 Palestinian prisoners to be freed for every hostage released, and 50 if the hostage is a soldier.
