Israel had earlier said it would continue fighting in Gaza until the names were handed over in accordance with the agreement.
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — A long-awaited cease-fire in Gaza has begun after a nearly three-hour delay. The truce was postponed after Hamas did not name the three hostages it plans to release later on Sunday.
Celebrations erupted across the war-ravaged territory, and some Palestinians began returning to their homes, even as the delay underscored the fragility of the agreement. The deal sets in motion a long and uncertain process aimed at ultimately ending the war and returning nearly 100 hostages abducted in the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack that triggered it.
An Israeli official said mediators have provided assurances that the list will be delivered and the deal is still expected to go forward, though the timing remains in question. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing efforts to resolve the matter. This is just the second ceasefire in the war, longer and more consequential than the weeklong pause over a year ago, with the potential to end the fighting for good.Negotiations on the far more difficult second phase of this ceasefire should begin in just over two weeks. Major questions remain, including whether the war will resume after the six-week first phase and how the rest of the nearly 100 hostages in Gaza will be freed.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Netanyahu warns again that Gaza ceasefire will not begin until Hamas provides a hostage listDEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said early Sunday that the ceasefire in Gaza will not begin until Israel has received a list of the hostages set to be released from Hamas.
Read more »
Netanyahu warns again that Gaza ceasefire will not begin until Hamas provides a hostage listDEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said early Sunday that the ceasefire in Gaza will not begin until Israel has received a list of the hostages set to be released from Hamas.
Read more »
Israeli airstrike kills 8 in Gaza, officials say, after Hamas delayed start of ceasefireDEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — An Israeli airstrike killed at least eight people in the Gaza Strip after the ceasefire was delayed.
Read more »
Israeli airstrike kills 8 in Gaza, officials say, after Hamas delayed start of ceasefireDEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — An Israeli airstrike killed at least eight people in the Gaza Strip after the ceasefire was delayed.
Read more »
Ceasefire Begins in Israel-Gaza War, Bringing Hope and UncertaintyA ceasefire brokered by Qatar begins Sunday, ending 15 months of war between Israel and Hamas. The agreement brings a fragile peace, with the release of hostages and humanitarian aid, but the path to lasting resolution remains uncertain.
Read more »
Israel Ratifies Gaza Ceasefire Deal, A Six-Week Truce to Begin SundayIsrael's cabinet has approved a ceasefire deal with Hamas, bringing a six-week pause to the deadliest fighting between Israel and the militant group. The agreement, which faces opposition from some hardliners, includes the release of hostages and a withdrawal of Israeli troops. While families of hostages await news and aid organizations prepare for a surge, the ceasefire is met with both hope and caution.
Read more »