According to Arise TV, the four-day ceasefire amid the Israel-Hamas conflict commenced on Friday morning.
This temporary halt in hostilities offered a glimpse of respite for Gaza's 2.3 million residents, enduring the brunt of weeks-long Israeli airstrikes. Simultaneously, it brought a sense of apprehension to families in Israel, anxiously awaiting news regarding their loved ones held captive since Hamas' attack on October 7, which served as a trigger for the ongoing war.
This ceasefire, which began at 7 a.m. local time (0500 GMT), is slated to persist for a minimum of four days. Within this period, Hamas, the ruling faction in Gaza, committed to releasing approximately 50 of the nearly 240 hostages taken during the October 7 incident. In reciprocity, Israel pledged to release 150 Palestinian detainees.
Emphasizing the prioritization of women and children, both sides agreed to free these vulnerable groups initially. Additionally, Israel announced its intention to extend the ceasefire by an extra day for every increment of 10 hostages liberated by Hamas.
The intricate negotiations leading to this truce-for-hostages agreement unfolded over several weeks, with Qatar, the United States, and Egypt mediating discussions. If sustained, this ceasefire represents the most substantial pause in the conflict since Israel's declaration of war against Hamas seven weeks prior.
Optimism emerged with the prospect of gradually de-escalating the widespread destruction in Gaza, curbing the surge of violence in the occupied West Bank, and alleviating fears of a broader conflict across the Middle East.
Majed al-Ansari, the spokesperson for Qatar's foreign ministry, confirmed the imminent release of an initial group of 13 women and children held by Hamas on Friday afternoon. Furthermore, the agreement stipulated the release of three Palestinian prisoners, also comprising women and minors, for each liberated hostage.
Israel's Justice Ministry disclosed a roster of 300 eligible prisoners for release, primarily consisting of teenagers detained in the past year for offenses such as rock-throwing and minor infractions.
The potential return of hostages carries significant emotional weight in Israel, where the plight of these captives has deeply resonated with the nation.
Families of the hostages have mobilized in large-scale demonstrations, applying pressure on the government to secure their safe return. Netanyahu's office confirmed the notification of families whose loved ones were slated for release on Friday.
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