Ceasefire begins in Gaza: Hamas releases 3 Israeli hostages

The ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas in Gaza was implemented at 12:15 PM (Turkey time). With the cessation of hostilities, the hostage exchange process has also officially begun. International Committee of the Red Cross teams have set out to receive the three Israeli hostages whom Hamas announced it would release.

Hamas had announced that 24-year-old Romi Gonen, 28-year-old Emily Damari, and 31-year-old Doron Steinbrecher would be released.

LIST CRISIS OCCURRED

The ceasefire and exchange agreement was scheduled to begin at 09:30 AM (Turkey time), but the Tel Aviv administration delayed the agreement on the grounds that Hamas had not provided the names of those to be released. The ceasefire went into effect after Hamas delivered the lists to the mediators.

Under the agreement, Israel committed to releasing more than 1,900 Palestinians in exchange for 33 Israeli hostages. Among these are 1,167 Palestinians who were detained after October 7. Furthermore, Israel agreed to release all female and child Palestinian prisoners under the age of 19.

It was stated that 30 Palestinians would be freed for every Israeli hostage released, and 50 Palestinians for every Israeli soldier or security force member. It was announced that in the first phase, 3 Israeli hostages would be released, and that exchanges would continue gradually in the following weeks.

FUTURE OF THE CEASEFIRE IS BEING DEBATED

While the first phase of the agreement is expected to last 42 days, statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have increased concerns that Israel may continue its operations against Gaza after the ceasefire. New negotiations for the second phase will be held starting from the 16th day of the ceasefire.

PRISONER EXCHANGE HAS BEGUN

Within the framework of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement with Israel, Hamas has handed over three of the Israeli captives to the Red Cross in the first stage.

News Source: 12punto