Ceasefire in Gaza has been implemented following a series of deadly strikes carried out by Israel

The ceasefire agreement, originally scheduled to commence at 8:30 a.m. local time (06:30 GMT) on Sunday to bring an end to the 15-month conflict between Israel and occupied territories, was delayed by nearly three hours. The truce was ultimately implemented at 11:15 a.m. local time.

Earlier today, the Israeli Defense Forces announced ongoing military operations in Gaza, citing the absence of a list from Hamas detailing the captives set for release under the terms of the ceasefire.

In a televised address, Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari announced that the nation’s armed forces are maintaining active operations in the Gaza region. He emphasized that, as per instructions from the Prime Minister, a ceasefire will not be implemented until Hamas adheres to its obligations.

He reiterated a prior directive from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, instructing the occupation’s military to withhold implementing the Gaza ceasefire until Hamas provides a list of the Israeli captives slated for release.

Hamas has attributed the postponement in providing the list of captives to “technical and field-related reasons,” according to their latest statement.

In a recent announcement on Telegram, the resistance group reiterated its dedication to upholding the conditions outlined in the ceasefire agreement.

Subsequently, Hamas released a list identifying the three Israeli captives scheduled for release later on Sunday.

Thirteen Palestinians Reported Dead Amid Ceasefire Delay

The Civil Defense in Gaza reported that an Israeli airstrike on Sunday morning resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals and left over 30 others injured. This incident occurred amid a nearly three-hour postponement in the commencement of the ceasefire.

The Gaza Government Media Office has announced the deployment of thousands of Palestinian police officers, a move aimed at enhancing security and maintaining order in the besieged region.

The statement emphasized that ministries and government institutions are thoroughly equipped to commence operations in line with the government’s plan. It pledged to execute all necessary measures to expedite the return to normalcy.

On October 7, 2023, Israel launched a major military offensive in Gaza in response to a coordinated operation by Hamas. The action by Hamas was described as a significant move against Israel, which they claim was in retaliation for what they perceive as escalating acts of aggression against Palestinians.

The Tel Aviv government has not succeeded in meeting its stated goals of rescuing hostages and dismantling Hamas, despite a reported death toll of nearly 47,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, in Gaza.

Earlier this week, Israel consented to a ceasefire agreement, aligning with negotiation terms previously set forth by Hamas.

The ceasefire agreement is structured into three stages, each with a duration of 42 days. Discussions for the subsequent second and third stages are slated to commence 16 days following the initiation of the first phase.

In the initial phase of the agreement, approximately 1,900 Palestinian detainees are set to be released in exchange for 33 Israeli captives currently held in Gaza. Additionally, the terms stipulate that Israeli military forces initiate a withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor, also referred to as the Salah al-Din axis, located along the Gaza-Egypt border.