Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Set to Begin Sunday Morning/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Qatar announced that a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will begin Sunday at 8:30 a.m. The agreement includes releasing 33 hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners during the first phase. Despite the announcement, tensions remain high, with continued strikes in Gaza and missile attacks intercepted in Israel.
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire to Begin Sunday: Quick Looks
- Ceasefire Timing: Scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. local time Sunday.
- Hostage Exchange: 33 hostages for 1,900 Palestinian prisoners in phase one.
- Continued Tensions: Strikes persist in Gaza; missiles intercepted over Israel.
- Displaced Palestinians: Ceasefire allows return to homes in Gaza buffer zones.
- Humanitarian Aid: Surge in aid expected through the Rafah border crossing.
- Long-Term Questions: Fate of remaining hostages depends on further negotiations.
Deep Look
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will begin Sunday morning, marking a significant pause in the 15-month conflict. Qatar’s foreign ministry confirmed the timing as 8:30 a.m. local time (0630 GMT), emphasizing the importance of caution as the agreement takes effect.
Ceasefire and Hostage Exchange Details
Under the ceasefire agreement approved by Israel’s Cabinet, the first phase includes the release of 33 hostages held by Hamas in exchange for 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.
- Schedule: Hostage releases begin Sunday at 4 p.m. (1400 GMT).
- Conditions: Israeli prisoners convicted of deadly attacks will be exiled to Gaza or abroad.
- Categories: Palestinian prisoners freed in the initial phase will primarily be women and minors.
Key questions remain, including the identities and conditions of the hostages to be released.
Military Movements and Displaced Residents
During the first phase, Israeli forces will retreat to a buffer zone approximately 1 kilometer wide along Gaza’s borders. This will allow displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza and Gaza City, though many areas have been heavily damaged or destroyed.
The ceasefire also opens the door for increased humanitarian aid, with trucks lining up at the Rafah border crossing. Egyptian officials are overseeing preparations to deliver aid and evacuate wounded patients from Gaza.
Persisting Violence
Despite the impending ceasefire, tensions remain high. Sirens sounded across central Israel on Saturday as the military intercepted projectiles launched from Yemen by Iran-backed Houthis, who intensified attacks in solidarity with Gaza. Additionally, Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza, with 23 fatalities reported by Palestinian health officials.
Humanitarian Crisis
The war, triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, has exacted a devastating toll. Hamas killed 1,200 people and took nearly 250 hostages during the attack. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed over 46,000 Palestinians, with women and children making up more than half the casualties, according to local health officials.
As Palestinians prepare to return to devastated homes, the ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope for relief amid a protracted humanitarian crisis.
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