Israeli PM Delays Gaza Ceasefire Until Hamas Releases hostage Names
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to delay the implementation of a ceasefire in Gaza,scheduled to begin at 8:30 am (0630 GMT),until Hamas provides the names of the captives to be released. This decision, announced by Netanyahu’s office on Sunday, has added tension to an already fragile agreement aimed at halting the ongoing conflict.
“The prime minister instructed the IDF that the ceasefire, which is supposed to go into effect at 8:30 am, will not begin until Israel has the list of released abductees that Hamas has pledged to provide,” the statement read.
Hamas, however, attributed the delay to “technical field reasons,” emphasizing its commitment to the ceasefire deal announced last week. The group assured that the names would be handed over as soon as possible.
Al Jazeera’s Stefanie Dekker, reporting from Amman, highlighted the immense international pressure on both sides. “It would be very difficult to see how the ceasefire, especially in the first phase, does not go ahead,” she said. “Will there be some delays possibly at this point in time? I’m pretty sure Qatar will be putting incredible pressure on Hamas, if indeed these names haven’t yet been handed over, to do so.”
The 42-day first phase of the ceasefire is expected to see the release of 33 hostages from Gaza and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Israeli forces are also set to withdraw into a buffer zone inside Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return home. Additionally, the devastated territory is anticipated to receive a significant surge in humanitarian aid.
this ceasefire marks only the second pause in the war, with the potential to end the fighting permanently. However, major questions remain unresolved, particularly regarding the second stage of the ceasefire, which is set to be negotiated in just over two weeks. netanyahu has already warned that Israel retains the right to resume military operations if the second phase proves unsuccessful, a stance reportedly backed by the United States.
Israel’s cabinet approved the ceasefire on Saturday during a rare session held on the Jewish Sabbath, more than two days after mediators announced the deal. Both the outgoing Biden management and President-elect Donald Trump have exerted pressure on the warring sides to finalize the agreement before the US presidential inauguration on Monday.
Key Points of the Ceasefire agreement
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Duration | 42 days (first phase) |
| Hostages Released | 33 Israeli hostages |
| Prisoners Released | Hundreds of Palestinian detainees |
| Military Withdrawal | Israeli forces to pull back into a buffer zone inside Gaza |
| Humanitarian Aid | Significant increase in aid to Gaza |
| Next Steps | Negotiations for the second phase to begin in two weeks |
As the countdown to the ceasefire continues, the world watches closely to see if this agreement will bring lasting peace or merely a temporary pause in the conflict.
For more updates on the ceasefire in Gaza, follow our live coverage here.
Inside the Gaza Ceasefire: Delays, Hostages, and the Path Forward
As tensions escalate in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delayed the implementation of a ceasefire until Hamas provides the names of hostages to be released. This decision, announced on Sunday, has added uncertainty to an already fragile agreement mediated by Egypt and Qatar. In this exclusive interview, Senior Editor maria Rodriguez of world-today-news.com speaks with Dr. Jonathan Levy, a Middle East conflict specialist, to unpack the complexities of the ceasefire deal, its implications, and what lies ahead.
The Delay: Why Netanyahu Insists on Hostage Names
Maria Rodriguez: Dr. Levy, let’s start with the delay. Netanyahu has insisted that the ceasefire won’t begin until Hamas provides the names of hostages to be released. What’s behind this decision?
Dr. Jonathan Levy: this is a strategic move by Netanyahu to ensure accountability and transparency. By demanding the names upfront, Israel aims to verify that Hamas is serious about its commitment to the ceasefire.It’s also a way to reassure the Israeli public, who are deeply invested in the safe return of their loved ones.
Maria Rodriguez: Hamas has cited “technical field reasons” for the delay. Is this a valid clarification, or is there more to it?
Dr. Jonathan Levy: While technical issues could be a factor, it’s likely that Hamas is also navigating internal dynamics. Securing consensus among its ranks and ensuring the release process aligns with their strategic goals could be causing delays. However, the pressure from mediators like Qatar will likely expedite this process.
The 42-Day Ceasefire: Key Provisions and Expectations
Maria Rodriguez: The first phase of the ceasefire is set to last 42 days. Can you break down its key components for our readers?
Dr. Jonathan levy: certainly. The first phase focuses on humanitarian aspects: the release of 33 Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, an IDF withdrawal into a buffer zone, and a meaningful increase in aid to Gaza. These measures aim to create a foundation for more comprehensive negotiations in the second phase.
Maria Rodriguez: How significant is the humanitarian aid component in this agreement?
Dr. Jonathan Levy: It’s crucial. Gaza’s infrastructure has been decimated, and the population is in dire need of food, medical supplies, and reconstruction materials. The surge in aid could alleviate immediate suffering and build some goodwill, which is essential for the ceasefire’s success.
The Second Phase: Challenges and the Risk of Escalation
Maria Rodriguez: The second phase of the ceasefire is set to begin in two weeks. What are the potential sticking points?
Dr. Jonathan Levy: The second phase will deal with more contentious issues, like the long-term disarmament of Hamas and the political future of Gaza. Netanyahu has already warned that Israel could resume military operations if negotiations fail, and the U.S. has backed this stance. This creates a precarious balance, as both sides will need to make significant concessions.
Maria Rodriguez: Given the history of failed ceasefires, what are the chances this one will hold?
Dr. Jonathan Levy: It’s a precarious situation. While the first phase has a clear roadmap, the second phase lacks specifics. Much will depend on the willingness of both parties to compromise and the role of international mediators in keeping the process on track.
International Pressure: The Role of Mediators
Maria Rodriguez: Egypt and Qatar have played pivotal roles as mediators.What’s driving their involvement?
Dr. Jonathan Levy: Both countries have vested interests in regional stability. Egypt, which borders Gaza, wants to prevent a spillover of violence into its territory. Qatar, on the other hand, has long-standing ties with Hamas and sees this as an chance to bolster its diplomatic influence.
Maria Rodriguez: The U.S. has also been exerting pressure, particularly before the presidential inauguration. How does this impact the dynamics?
Dr. Jonathan Levy: The U.S. involvement is critical. Both the outgoing Biden administration and President-elect Trump have pushed for a deal, likely to secure a foreign policy win during the transition. Their leverage could be key in ensuring both sides adhere to the agreement.
Looking Ahead: Prospects for lasting Peace
Maria Rodriguez: Dr.Levy, do you see this ceasefire as a step toward lasting peace, or is it merely a temporary pause?
Dr. Jonathan Levy: While this ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope, it’s too early to say if it will lead to lasting peace. The success of the second phase will be the true test. Both sides must demonstrate a willingness to address deeper issues, and the international community must remain engaged to prevent a return to violence.
Maria Rodriguez: Thank you,Dr. Levy, for your insights. For more updates on the Gaza ceasefire, stay tuned to world-today-news.com.
