Updated Cease-Fire and Hostage Exchange in Gaza to Commence on Friday

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A recently brokered agreement, expected to initiate a four-day cease-fire in Gaza along with the release of numerous hostages by militants and Palestinians held by Israel, encountered an unforeseen delay. This postponement, announced by a senior Israeli official, sets the start date to Friday, instead of the previously planned Thursday.

The anticipated cease-fire brings hope for the 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza suffering under the ongoing Israeli bombardment and for Israelis anxious about their relatives captured during the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, which instigated the conflict.

Tzachi Hanegbi, Israel’s national security adviser, declared the delay on Wednesday night, though the reasons behind it remain undisclosed. Majed al-Ansari, a representative from the Qatari Foreign Ministry, indicated that negotiators are still working on finalizing the conditions for the cease-fire and prisoner exchange. Qatar has been a significant mediator in these discussions alongside the U.S. and Egypt.

Impact in Gaza

The Health Ministry in Gaza has updated the death toll from the conflict, reporting over 13,300 fatalities. This count excludes northern areas where health services and communications have largely collapsed. Additionally, approximately 6,000 individuals are missing and feared to be trapped under debris.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has taken a heavy toll, with vast areas of Gaza destroyed, escalating violence in the West Bank, and growing fears of a broader regional conflict. The war has now entered its seventh week.

Ongoing Hostilities

Despite the cease-fire agreement, hostilities continue. Hezbollah in southern Lebanon launched a rocket attack into northern Israel in retaliation for an Israeli strike that killed several Hezbollah members. This exchange marks another episode in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, with the potential for further escalation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the military campaign against Hamas will persist beyond the cease-fire. The objective is to dismantle Hamas’ military infrastructure, end its governance in Gaza, and secure the release of approximately 240 captives held by Hamas and allied groups.

Hostage Exchange Details

The truce agreement outlines a phased release of 50 hostages, with Israel reciprocating by freeing 150 Palestinian prisoners. This exchange will prioritize women and children, and Israel has proposed extending the truce by an additional day for every 10 hostages released.

The truce also paves the way for increased humanitarian aid into Gaza, including essential supplies like fuel. The International Committee of the Red Cross is expected to visit the remaining hostages as part of the agreement.

Wider Impact and Outlook

The war has displaced more than 1.7 million people in Gaza, with many unable to return home due to extensive damage and ongoing military activities. The limited aid through Egypt’s Rafah crossing is insufficient to meet the escalating humanitarian needs.

The cease-fire, while a crucial step, is seen as too brief to address the immediate needs, emphasizing the necessity for a more sustainable resolution to the conflict.

[For more comprehensive coverage, visit Big Big News at https://bigbignews.net/israel-hamas-war.]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gaza cease-fire

More about Gaza cease-fire

• Gaza Cease-Fire Delayed
• Qatar’s Role in Gaza Negotiations
• Impact of Gaza Conflict on the Population
• Details of Hostage Exchange in Cease-Fire Agreement
• Humanitarian Aid in Gaza
• Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Stance
• International Involvement in Gaza