DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — A four-day cease-fire agreement in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinians imprisoned by Israel has hit a last-minute snag. A senior Israeli official announced that the cease-fire would not take effect until Friday, a day later than originally planned.
The agreement offered some relief for the over 1.7 million Palestinians who have fled their homes due to Israeli bombardment, as well as families in Israel concerned about their loved ones captured during Hamas’ attack that sparked the war.
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The reason for the delay was not provided, but Israeli media reported that some final details were still being worked out. Qatar, Egypt, and the US helped negotiate the deal, and Qatar announced that a new time for the agreement to go into force would be announced “in the coming hours.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the war would resume after the truce expires. Israel aims to destroy Hamas’ military capabilities, end its 16-year rule in Gaza, and secure the release of the estimated 240 captives held by Hamas and other groups.
The agreement had raised hopes of eventually winding down the seven-week-long war, which has caused extensive damage in Gaza and increased violence in the occupied West Bank. However, Israeli officials acknowledge that much of Hamas’ infrastructure remains intact, and Israel has threatened wider operations in southern Gaza.
Under the truce deal, 50 hostages will be released in stages in exchange for the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners. Both sides will release women and children first, and the truce will be extended for every additional 10 hostages freed by Hamas.
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The cease-fire would also allow for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, including fuel. Israel has cut off all fuel imports since the start of the war, causing widespread blackouts and reliance on generators.
Weeks of Israeli airstrikes and a ground invasion have resulted in the deaths of over 11,000 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza. The majority of the dead have been identified as women and minors. Three-fourths of Gaza’s population have been displaced, and over 1 million Palestinians are seeking shelter in UNRWA facilities.
The truce is seen as a temporary freeze in the conflict, with the potential for the war to resume once it expires.
