DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Hamas has revealed the identities of three hostages it intends to release this Sunday, just over two hours post the commencement of a ceasefire in Gaza. Israel previously stated it would persist in military operations until it received these names.
No immediate response has emerged from Israeli authorities following Hamas’ armed faction’s announcement of the names via social media. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed that Hamas had not fulfilled its obligation to disclose the names of the three female hostages designated for release in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners.
In light of this announcement, celebratory scenes unfolded throughout the war-torn region, with some Palestinians starting to return to their homes despite the reminders of the tenuous nature of the agreement. The ceasefire paves the way for a long and unpredictable process aimed at concluding the ongoing conflict and facilitating the return of nearly 100 hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, assault by Hamas that instigated the war.
The deadline for the truce came and went without the names being turned over, as noted by Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the leading military spokesperson for Israel. He remarked that Israeli forces “are continuing to engage even now within the Gaza area,” maintaining military operations until Hamas adheres to the conditions of the agreement. Subsequently, the military reported targeting several militant positions across northern and central Gaza, with Gaza’s Health Ministry confirming at least three fatalities in the early hours of Sunday within Gaza City.
Earlier, Hamas attributed the delay in providing the names to “technical field reasons” and insisted it remains committed to upholding the ceasefire framework announced the week prior.
An Israeli official noted that mediators had assured the delivery of the list is forthcoming, and the agreement is still anticipated to proceed, although when remains uncertain. The official chose to remain anonymous due to the ongoing negotiations.
In a separate political twist, the hard-line National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s party declared that its Cabinet ministers have submitted their resignations in protest against the ceasefire. While this departure from the coalition may decrease Netanyahu’s government strength, it does not have an impact on the ceasefire’s status.
In another note, Israel reported the recovery of Oron Shaul’s remains, a soldier killed during the 2014 conflict with Hamas, through a special operation. The bodies of Shaul and another soldier, Hadar Goldin, had not been repatriated following the 2014 war, despite persistent campaigns by their families.
The announced ceasefire, achieved after a year of negotiations involving the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, serves as the initial step in a delicate process aimed at bringing an end to the 15-month-long war.
Netanyahu emphasized that the ceasefire “would not commence until Israel possesses the list of hostages to be released, which Hamas has pledged to provide,” reiterating a similar admonition the night before.
This initial ceasefire phase, slated for 42 days, is expected to see the return of 33 hostages from Gaza along with the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. During this phase, Israeli forces will retreat to a designated buffer zone within Gaza, allowing numerous displaced Palestinians to return to their abodes, while humanitarian aid is projected to increase across the afflicted region.
This ceasefire is the second of its kind in the ongoing war, which has surpassed the brevity of last year’s one-week pause and carries more significant implications for an enduring resolution.
Negotiations for the more intricate second phase of the ceasefire are anticipated to commence in a little over two weeks. Substantial uncertainties persist, including concerns regarding the possibility of resumed hostilities after the six-week duration and the fate of the remaining nearly 100 hostages in Gaza.
Spontaneous celebrations erupted across Gaza as news of the ceasefire spread, particularly in the southern city of Khan Younis, where many gathered in jubilation. Armed Hamas fighters appeared amid the crowded streets, greeted by chants of support for the group.
Gaza’s Civil Defense teams, which operate under Hamas, organized a parade in Gaza City, waving Palestinian flags alongside enthusiastic residents, including supporters of Islamic Jihad, the second-largest militant group involved in the October 7 attack.
Public demonstrations of authority by Hamas-operated police units began to manifest after a period of relative quiet due to Israeli airstrikes. Reports indicate these forces were seen operating throughout distinct areas of Gaza City while residents began to return to previously abandoned homes despite the ongoing military activity on the periphery.
Amidst this chaos, one resident, Ahmed Matter, observed many families exiting shelters to return home, expressing a desire for the continuous cycle of violence to cease. He noted, “The sound of shelling and explosions didn’t stop,” as families moved back, often with their belongings loaded on donkey carts.
This ceasefire was sanctioned by Israel’s Cabinet during an unusual session on Saturday, coinciding with the Jewish Sabbath, occurring more than 48 hours post negotiators’ announcement of the deal. The urgency to solidify the agreement stemmed from pressures from both the outgoing Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump, aiming to secure a resolution before the upcoming U.S. presidential transition.
The human toll of the ongoing conflict is staggering, with over 46,000 Palestinian lives lost according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The October 7 attack attributed to Hamas resulted in over 1,200 deaths in southern Israel, alongside substantial casualties among Israeli soldiers.
Approximately 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, with the United Nations highlighting extensive damage to essential infrastructure such as the healthcare system and road networks. In the event that the ceasefire advances to its later stages, reconstruction efforts are expected to take several years, with many political and humanitarian questions about Gaza’s future remaining unanswered.
