A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas finally began on Sunday at 11:15 a.m. local time (0915 GMT) after a nearly three-hour delay. The truce, mediated by Qatar, follows weeks of conflict triggered by the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. The delay was reportedly ordered by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with Gaza’s civil defense agency reporting eight casualties from Israeli strikes during the waiting period.
Celebrations erupted across Gaza as some displaced Palestinians cautiously began returning to their homes, signaling hope for peace amidst destruction. This ceasefire marks a critical step towards resolving the conflict and facilitating the release of nearly 100 hostages abducted during the initial Hamas attack.
Hamas’s armed wing has confirmed that three Israeli women hostages, some holding foreign citizenship, are part of the initial release. Meanwhile, Israel’s hard-line National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s party has opposed the truce, leading to the resignation of its Cabinet ministers.
Aid Trucks Move Toward Gaza
Around 200 aid trucks, including 20 carrying fuel, have begun arriving at the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing. These trucks await entry into Gaza, pending maintenance work at the Rafah border crossing from Egypt.
Warnings on Regional Stability
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar cautioned that the region’s instability would persist as long as Hamas remains in power in Gaza. Speaking at a press conference, Saar emphasized the potential for continued unrest under the group’s governance.
Despite the fragile nature of the agreement, international mediators and stakeholders remain hopeful for a lasting resolution to the hostilities.
