TEL AVIV: Uncertainty and worry that persisted until the last minute have given way. Light of peace in Gaza. The ceasefire came into effect from 2.45 pm IST (11.15 am local time) today. The ravages of the 15-month-long war remain.
The deal calls for Israel to release 30 prisoners when Hamas releases one hostage. The transfer of this proportion will be completed in six weeks. Israeli forces have begun withdrawing from the settlements in Gaza.
Thousands of refugees have begun their return to Gaza. The ceasefire was implemented three hours late. Israel continued to attack Gaza until half an hour before the ceasefire. Meanwhile, 19 people were killed.
Netanyahu under pressure
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the ceasefire as 'temporary', warning that war will start again if necessary. Meanwhile, coalition leader National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir resigned in opposition to the deal, putting pressure on Netanyahu. Ben-Gvir described the ceasefire as “a complete victory for terrorism.” His party left the government. It is reported that more nationalist ministers will resign.
Name received late
The ceasefire was supposed to take effect at 12 noon (8.30 am local time). Hamas violated the 24-hour requirement to hand over information on the hostages. Netanyahu warned that there will be no ceasefire until Hamas names captives to be freed. Hamas released the names at 2:00 pm and the attack on Gaza was stopped.
Stepping into Freedom
Doron Steinbrecher (31), British-Israeli citizen Emily Damari (28) and Romi Gonen (24), abducted from Israel on October 7, 2023, were handed over by Hamas to the Red Cross in central Gaza. They were picked up by Israeli forces inside Gaza and transferred to a military camp on the border and then to the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Aviv.
Permanent ceasefire if successful
Four more hostages will be handed over on the seventh day. Negotiations will start from the 16th day of the first phase. Second stage on the 42nd day if negotiations are successful. The remaining hostages will also be released then. There will be a permanent ceasefire in Gaza afterwards. The bodies of the hostages will be released in the third phase. The reconstruction of Gaza will begin after that.
Total dead in Gaza during 15-month war: 6,913
Hostages to be released by Hamas: 33
Palestinians to be released by Israel: 1,904