The Health Ministry has reported that another 6,000 people are missing and feared buried under the rubble in Gaza. This comes as a breaking news update following the recent agreement for a four-day cease-fire and the release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. However, there has been a last-minute snag as a senior Israeli official announced that the cease-fire would not take effect until Friday, a day later than originally announced.
The delay in the cease-fire has caused uncertainty and concern among the over 1.7 million Palestinians who have fled their homes due to weeks of Israeli bombardment. Families in Israel are also fearful for the fate of their loved ones captured during Hamas’ attack that triggered the war. The reason for the delay has not been provided, but it is reported that some final details are still being worked out.
You may also like to watch : Who Is Kamala Harris? Biography - Parents - Husband - Sister - Career - Indian - Jamaican Heritage
The diplomatic breakthrough had raised hopes of eventually winding down the war, which has caused significant destruction in Gaza and sparked violence in the occupied West Bank. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear that the war would resume after the truce expires, with the goal of destroying Hamas’ military capabilities and ending its rule in Gaza.
Under the truce deal, 50 hostages will be freed in stages in exchange for the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners. The hostages’ release could lift spirits in Israel, where their plight has gripped the country. Qatar has also stated that the cease-fire would allow for a larger amount of humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, including fuel. Israel had cut off all fuel imports at the start of the war.
The toll on Gaza has been heavy, with thousands of Palestinians killed and large parts of the health system collapsing. The number of missing and believed buried under rubble has also risen sharply. The war has displaced three-fourths of Gaza’s population, with many unable to return home due to the vast damage and the presence of Israeli troops. The truce, although welcomed, is considered too short by humanitarian aid groups operating in Gaza.
