Sun Jan 19 12:46:56 UTC 2025: ## Gaza Ceasefire Takes Effect After Delays, Hostages to be Released
**GAZA CITY/JERUSALEM** – A long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect in Gaza at 11:15 am local time (09:15 GMT) on Sunday, nearly three hours later than scheduled. The delay, ordered by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was attributed to a last-minute holdup in receiving the list of the first three Israeli hostages to be released by Hamas.
Thirteen Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes and artillery attacks between the initially scheduled ceasefire time and its actual commencement, according to Palestinian medics. Israel confirmed continued strikes in Gaza during the delay, citing Netanyahu’s instructions. Hamas attributed the delay in releasing the hostage list to technical difficulties and the ongoing bombing.
The names of the three female hostages – Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari – were finally released by Hamas, paving the way for the truce. Their release, facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), marks the first stage of a three-phase deal brokered by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt.
This six-week ceasefire will see the release of 33 Israeli hostages – women, children, men over 50, and the ill and wounded – in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. For each of the three initial hostages, 30 Palestinian prisoners will be freed. The deal also involves the release of hundreds of Palestinians detained since the start of the 15-month conflict.
The war, which began with a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and nearly 47,000 Palestinians. The conflict has also significantly escalated tensions throughout the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Iran, which supports Hamas. The ceasefire comes on the eve of a significant political transition in the US.
First Piper 