Gaza ceasefire finally commences following delays and IDF attacks

The highly anticipated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has finally begun after a delay caused by Israel not receiving the names of the three hostages who were set to be released today. The deal, which was supposed to start nearly three hours earlier, has now been set in motion.

Emily Damari, 28, Romi Gonen, 24, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, are the individuals who will be freed after 4pm local time. The list, provided by Hamas, was received by the office of Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, although the names on the list have not been officially confirmed.

In the first phase of the agreement, Israel is set to release 1,904 Palestinian prisoners. While the names of those to be released on Sunday have not been disclosed, the list includes over 1,000 individuals who were detained in Gaza during the conflict, many of whom have not been formally charged with crimes. Additionally, 737 “security prisoners,” including high-ranking members of Palestinian factions like Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the al-Aqsa Martyrs’ brigades, will also be among those released.

This development marks a significant step towards peace in the region, as both sides work to uphold their end of the agreement. The ceasefire will hopefully bring an end to the violence and suffering that has plagued the region in recent weeks.