Israel and Hamas begin cease-fire, setting stage for release of some hostages and more aid to Gaza

The text you provided reports on the four-day cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, which began on Friday. This cease-fire has important implications, including the release of hostages held by militants and Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, as well as the delivery of much-needed aid to Gaza.

During this cease-fire, Israel has agreed to allow the delivery of 130,000 liters (34,340 gallons) of fuel per day to Gaza, although this still falls short of the territory’s daily fuel needs. The Israeli military had previously restricted fuel deliveries to Gaza, citing concerns about potential military use by Hamas. However, United Nations aid agencies argued that fuel was essential for critical infrastructure, such as water treatment facilities and hospitals.

Additionally, the cease-fire led to the entry of fuel and cooking gas tankers into Gaza from Egypt shortly after it went into effect. This is expected to provide some relief to the people of Gaza who have been enduring weeks of Israeli bombardment and shortages of essential supplies.

The cease-fire also involves the release of hostages, with Hamas pledging to free at least 50 of the approximately 240 hostages taken on October 7th. Israel, in return, has agreed to release 150 Palestinian prisoners, with women and children being released first. The hope is that this cease-fire can pave the way for a broader resolution to the conflict, although there are concerns that hostilities may resume once the truce expires.

These developments are of significant importance in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict and have the potential to impact the lives of many people in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cease-fire

More about Cease-fire

• Israel-Hamas conflict background
• Cease-fire and hostage release
• Gaza humanitarian crisis
• Mediation efforts
• Israel-Hamas conflict casualties