Israel and Hamas Ceasefire Implemented Following Release of 3 Hostages
Israel has officially received a list of three female hostages who are expected to be released later today, confirmed by Netanyahu’s office.
A ceasefire-hostage deal was reached between Hamas and Israel on Sunday morning. Israel awaited the list of three female hostages who are set to be released as part of the deal. The names have not been made public as per the request of the prime minister’s office to protect the families’ privacy.
Hamas had committed to releasing three female Israeli civilian hostages on the first day of the ceasefire, with more to follow in the coming days.
Netanyahu instructed the IDF not to begin the ceasefire until Israel receives the list of hostages from Hamas.
However, Hamas attributed the delay in releasing the list to technical reasons and reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire agreement.
In exchange for releasing hostages, Israel agreed to release Palestinian prisoners convicted of acts of terror against Israel.
The ceasefire also includes provisions for humanitarian aid to reach civilians in Gaza and for both sides to halt hostilities.
The deal was reached on Jan. 17 after initial delays due to last-minute changes requested by Hamas.
Since the conflict began in 2023, negotiations and rescue efforts have led to the release of 157 hostages, out of which 117 were returned alive.
Israel estimates that Hamas is still holding 98 hostages, with a third believed to be deceased. Further discussions regarding the next phases of the deal are planned in the future.
Tom Ozimek contributed to this report.
