The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement that the ceasefire in Gaza is now in effect, CNN reports
The truce began at 11:15 a.m. (4:15 a.m. ET). It was delayed by almost three hours after Hamas said there was a “technical” delay in delivering the names of three hostages due to be released to Israel on Sunday.
Israeli strikes after the originally planned ceasefire start time of 8:30 a.m. (1:30 a.m. ET) killed at least 13 Palestinians and wounded 30, according to hospital and civil defense officials.
Hamas later released the names of three Israeli hostages set to be released on Sunday, according to a statement by Hamas armed wing spokesman Abu Obaida.
In a separate statement, Hamas said it handed the names of three female Israeli hostages set for release on Sunday to mediators.
The Israeli military said earlier that the planned ceasefire wouldn’t go into effect until Hamas provides the names of hostages it will release on Sunday.
In a recent development, Israel has received the list of hostages set for release by Hamas on Sunday, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.
“The security establishment is currently reviewing the details,” the statement said, adding that the families of the hostages have been notified by the Israeli military. CNN reports
Gazans displaced by the Israel-Hamas war say they are awaiting a “bittersweet” return home on Sunday as a ceasefire deal takes effect, bringing respite to over a year of Israeli bombardment.
For Ahmad Al-Hamadiyat – a merchant from Sheikh Radwan, a neighborhood in Gaza City, who has been displaced in Al-Zawaida, central Gaza – the thought of returning to a home left in ruins evokes conflicting emotions.
“Throughout the war, I prayed to God to spare me and my children from the relentless attacks, random shelling and ground invasions,” he told CNN. “But now, after the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, following 470 days of war – marked by genocide, deprivation, hunger, injustice, loss, exploitation, and the anguish of living in tents – we are awaiting a bittersweet return.”
Al-Hamadiyat described feeling “joyful yet incomplete” due to the loss of loved ones, homes, memories and dreams. “Everything has turned to ashes,” he said.
Raed Ridwan, from northern Gaza’s Jabalya refugee camp but displaced in central Deir al-Balah, described his “immense relief” upon hearing of the ceasefire agreement.
“I will be able to walk the streets without fear, without carrying the constant worry of my wife and mother or fearing for their safety,” he told CNN.
“I no longer have to wonder if I might leave and not return or if I might return to find them gone because of a sudden, treacherous airstrike.”
He continued that he intends to return home despite it being reduced to rubble. “I don’t want another war. All I want is a wall to lean on after the exhaustion of these days and a cup of water to end the thirst of these months.”
