A planned ceasefire in Gaza, set for Sunday morning, was postponed after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded Hamas provide a list of hostages slated for release that day.
Hamas, citing unspecified “technical” challenges, stated it could not comply immediately.
At 0630 GMT, when the truce was originally scheduled to commence, an Israeli military spokesperson declared that Hamas had failed to fulfill its obligations, prompting Israeli forces to continue their offensive until the demands were met.
The anticipated ceasefire was seen as a potential turning point in the 15-month conflict that has disrupted the Middle East.
However, an hour before its scheduled implementation, Netanyahu announced the delay, insisting that Hamas provide the names of the first three hostages to be released.
His office stated, “The prime minister instructed the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) that the ceasefire, which is supposed to go into effect at 8:30 a.m., will not begin until Israel has the list of released abductees that Hamas has pledged to provide.”
Hamas reiterated its commitment to the agreement, attributing the delay to “technical field reasons” without elaborating further.
Meanwhile, reports from pro-Hamas media indicated Israeli forces were retreating from positions in Rafah to the Philadelphi corridor near the Egypt-Gaza border.
Despite the looming deadline, explosions continued in Gaza, with celebratory gunfire heard in Khan Younis at 0630 GMT.
In preparation for the truce, the Israeli military cautioned Gaza residents against approaching their forces or moving freely, promising to issue guidelines for safe transit once movement was permitted.
The ceasefire deal, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, marks the first stage of a broader agreement aimed at resolving the protracted conflict.
Over the next six weeks, 33 of the remaining 98 hostages – prioritized as women, children, elderly men, and the ill – will be freed in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
This group includes 737 prisoners, some linked to attacks that claimed dozens of Israeli lives, and many detained since the war began.
Sunday’s expected exchange involves three female hostages being released through the Red Cross in return for 30 Palestinian prisoners each.
U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk confirmed subsequent phases would involve additional hostage releases every seven days.
In parallel, Israeli forces are set to withdraw from certain positions in Gaza, facilitating the return of displaced Palestinians from northern areas.
The accord, influenced by collaboration between U.S. President Joe Biden’s team and President-elect Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff, faced urgency as Trump’s inauguration loomed.
Trump had pressured for swift action, warning of severe consequences if the hostages were not freed.
Uncertain Future in Gaza
While the ceasefire aims to end hostilities, Gaza’s long-term future remains ambiguous.
Rebuilding efforts will demand significant resources and time. Israel, determined to prevent Hamas from regaining control, has established buffer zones to counter future threats.
Domestically, the return of hostages may quell some public anger over Netanyahu’s handling of the October 7 security lapse, which resulted in the deadliest day in Israel’s history.
However, Netanyahu faces pressure from far-right allies, who demand the war against Hamas resume. Should the conflict reignite, many hostages could remain trapped.
Regional Impacts
The war has reshaped the Middle East, including clashes with Hezbollah and direct confrontations with Iran.
Over the past year, Iran’s regional influence has diminished, with Hezbollah’s capabilities severely weakened and the Assad regime in Syria overturned.
Globally, Israel has faced criticism over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. International courts have initiated proceedings against Netanyahu for alleged war crimes and genocide, charges Israel vehemently denies.
The war, which began with Hamas’ October 7, 2023, assault that killed 1,200 Israelis and saw over 250 taken hostage, has devastated Gaza.
Israeli campaigns have left the region in ruins, with nearly 47,000 Palestinians killed, primarily women and children, according to Gaza health authorities. Israel maintains that a significant portion of the casualties were fighters.
