Kochi: The Gaza ceasefire came into effect after a three hour delay at 2.45 pm on Sunday, as Hamas failed to release the names of the first three Israeli hostages, media reports said.
The Israeli military confirmed it was continuing “to strike within the Gaza area” following Netanyahu’s directive during the delay during which 13 Palestinians were killed.
Netanyahu’s office said he had “instructed the IDF (military) that the ceasefire… will not begin until Israel receives the list” of hostages to be freed.
Hamas said the delay in sharing the list was for “technical reasons”.
Two hours after the deadline, Israel confirmed it had received the list.
The tension between the two groups started after Hamas, which controls Gaza, attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people. Israel’s retaliation caused immense devastation of Gaza to claiming the lives of nearly 47,000 Palestinians.
The war also set off a confrontation throughout the Middle East between Israel and Hamas’ supporters like Iran, and other anti-Israeli and anti-American paramilitary forces like Hezbollah.
The truce emerged due to a three-phase deal struck by Qatar, the US, and Egypt after months of negotiations.
Gaza ceasefire takes shape
