Ceasefire stalled: Hostages' names delay prolongs Gaza tension
The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, stated on Sunday morning that the ceasefire with Hamas, which was supposed to come into effect at 6:30 AM, will not be implemented until Hamas provides the names of the first hostages who are to be released soon.
In response to Netanyahu's statement, Hamas informed that the delay in providing the names is due to "technical reasons". Nevertheless, the Palestinian movement confirmed its readiness to fulfil obligations related to the ceasefire agreement.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasised that his government had not yet received the names of the three female hostages who were to be released first. Providing this information 24 hours in advance was a crucial condition for the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
What about the ceasefire?
The planned release of the three women was supposed to occur on Sunday around 3:30 PM Greenwich Mean Time. As a result, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) received instructions to halt their withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
Some residents of Gaza were unaware of this and were returning to their homes.
"The Prime Minister instructed the IDF that the ceasefire will not begin until Israel receives the list of hostages," Netanyahu's office stated.
- The IDF will continue attacks on Gaza as long as Hamas does not fulfil its obligations - army spokesperson Daniel Hagari conveyed shortly after 5:30 AM Greenwich Mean Time.
Hamas representatives were supposed to pass the names to the Qatari authorities, who participated in the peace negotiations. These details were then to be conveyed to Mossad chief David Barnea, who was to pass them on to the hostages' families.
Israel's announcements were realised just a few dozen minutes later. At least eight people died on Sunday, and over twenty-five others were injured as a result of drone attacks in Gaza City, local medical services reported.
