Renewed Violence in Gaza Strip Claims Multiple Lives Amid Delayed Ceasefire
A minimum of 13 individuals have lost their lives and an additional 25 have sustained injuries in the Gaza Strip following the scheduled 7:30 a.m. local time ceasefire with Israel, which was ultimately delayed until 10:15 a.m.
Reports of Fatalities and Injuries Emerge
According to Mahmud Basal, the spokesman for the Gazan Civil Defense, who confirmed the news on his Telegram channel, a minimum of five individuals lost their lives in Gaza City, while another three died in northern towns between 8:30 and 9:30 local time.
Ceasefire Delayed Amidst Dispute Over Hostage Release
The initial ceasefire scheduled for this morning was postponed following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s accusations that Hamas had yet to provide the names of the three hostages intended for release on Sunday. Subsequently, Israeli forces claimed to have attacked several “terrorist targets” in the northern and central Gaza Strip.
Israeli Military Response
Daniel Hagari, the main Israeli military spokesman, stated during an appearance before the Hebrew media that the Israeli military will continue its assault on Gaza until the three names are received.
Agreement Details
As part of the agreement between Israel and Hamas, the Islamist group was expected to deliver the list of names of the three Israeli hostages to be released on the first day of the truce in exchange for approximately 90 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
Phase One of the Agreement
Israel and Hamas have agreed to a six-week ceasefire, which involves a gradual exchange of 33 Israeli hostages for over 1,900 Palestinian captives.