19th January 2025 – (Gaza) The long-awaited ceasefire in Gaza has officially commenced, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the ceasefire for phase one took effect at 11.15 local time (09:15 GMT), following a brief delay. This initial phase includes the release of 33 hostages held by Hamas over a six-week period, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners currently detained in Israel.
Among the first to be released are Doron Steinbrecher, 31, and dual British-Israeli citizen Emily Damari, 28, both abducted from their kibbutz, along with Romi Gonen, 24, who was taken during the Supernova Festival in October 2023. The hostages are expected to be freed later today, with the Israeli Prime Minister’s office stating that their release will take place after 14:00 GMT.
The ceasefire is structured in three stages, with the first phase anticipated to see the release of more than 30 hostages, including women, children, and the elderly. The subsequent phases are set to follow, although some hostages—believed to include four taken as far back as 2014 and 2015—remain unaccounted for, with concerns that they may be deceased.
Despite the progress, tensions remain high. Gaza’s civil defence agency reported that Israeli strikes in the territory resulted in the deaths of eight Palestinians shortly after the ceasefire was meant to take effect. The Israeli government faces internal dissent as well; Itamar Ben Gvir, the far-right national security minister, announced his resignation from the ruling coalition, denouncing the ceasefire as a capitulation to Hamas.
Qatar, a key mediator in the negotiations, has confirmed the ceasefire’s initiation alongside the United States and Egypt, which will monitor the agreement through a body based in Cairo. As the situation evolves, the international community watches closely, hopeful that this ceasefire could pave the way for lasting peace in the region.
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