Ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza to come into force today

The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza will come into force at 12 noon Indian time today.

Earlier yesterday, Israel’s security cabinet approved the Gaza ceasefire agreement that involves the exchange of dozens of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and a temporary pause in the 15-month-long conflict.

But hours before the ceasefire is due to go into effect, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the Gaza ceasefire agreement may be temporary and Israel retains the right to resume Gaza fighting. He has asked Hamas to provide a list of 33 hostages to be freed in the first phase today.

Under the first phase of the agreement, Hamas has agreed to release 33 hostages, including children, women and individuals over 50 years of age. In return, Israel will release 50 Palestinian prisoners for each female Israeli soldier freed by Hamas and 30 prisoners for other female hostages.