BREAKING NEWS... Ceasefire declared in Gaza
A senior Hamas official had announced that the list of hostages to be released today had been sent to Israel. Following the submission of the list, a ceasefire was declared in Gaza.
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The ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas has come into effect in Gaza as of today. Reuters reported that there was activity by the Israeli military in the border region and that sounds of explosions were heard in Gaza. It was reported that smoke was rising at the border.
Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari emphasized that the ceasefire would only be valid if Hamas fulfills its obligations, stating that otherwise, Israel would continue its attacks.
Palestinian officials announced that at least 14 Palestinians lost their lives and 25 people were injured in attacks carried out by Israel in the northern and southern regions.
HOSTAGE LIST ANNOUNCED
Hamas announced the names of the three female hostages to be released. Israeli women Romi Gonen (24), Doron Steinbrecher (31), and Emily Damari (28) will be released today. The Israeli Prime Minister's office announced that it has begun informing the families of the hostages.
There were delays in the ceasefire due to demands that Hamas must deliver the hostage list requested by Israel. Hamas described the delay in announcing the hostage list in the first phase as being due to "technical reasons."
ISRAELI MINISTER RESIGNS
Israel's far-right Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, resigned from his post in opposition to the ceasefire agreement. Additionally, two ministers from Ben-Gvir's party also announced that they were leaving the government.
In the first phase, Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages. In return, Israel will release 50 Palestinian civilians and 30 female prisoners. In the second and third phases, more hostages will be released, and Israel will begin to withdraw completely from Gaza.
Following months of negotiations, the ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement, reached through the mediation of Qatar, the US, and Egypt, came into effect on the eve of Donald Trump's inauguration as US President. The agreement was approved by a majority vote following a 6-hour meeting of the Israeli Security Cabinet.