Israel announces beginning of ceasefire in Gaza Strip
Photo: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Getty Images)
Israel announces ceasefire in Gaza after Hamas hands over first hostage list for release on January 19
Israel has declared the start of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, following Hamas' submission of the list of the first hostages to be released on January 19, reports The Times of Israel.
After Hamas handed over the list of hostages to be released today, Israel announced that the ceasefire will come into effect at 11:15 AM.
Initially, the first phase of the ceasefire was scheduled to begin today at 8:30 AM. However, it was delayed due to Hamas' delay in providing the list of three female hostages to be released today.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they had continued strikes on Hamas terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip over the past two hours.
Israel-Hamas agreement
This week, Israel and the terrorist group Hamas, with the help of mediators, reached a ceasefire agreement for the Gaza Strip and the release of Israeli hostages.
Recently, the Israeli government officially approved the deal with Hamas. In protest, three ministers from Israel's far-right party resigned.
Today, January 19, the first hostages are expected to be released under the agreement. Although Hamas delayed submitting the list, Israel eventually received it. The militants are expected to release three women today.
