The planned ceasefire in Gaza, scheduled to commence at 6:30 GMT, has been thrown into uncertainty after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Sunday that it would not take effect unless Hamas delivers a comprehensive list of hostages to be released. The militant group attributed the delay to “technical reasons.”
In a statement released by Netanyahu’s office, the prime minister emphasized that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had been directed to withhold the ceasefire’s initiation until Hamas fulfills its commitment to provide the names of hostages slated for release.
“The prime minister instructed the IDF that the ceasefire, which is scheduled to take effect at 8:30 am [local time], will not begin until Israel has received the list of released hostages, as Hamas has committed to providing,” the statement read.
Hamas, in response, reiterated its adherence to the terms of the ceasefire agreement but cited logistical challenges as the cause of the delay. “The delay in providing the names of those to be released in the first batch is due to technical reasons,” the group stated.
The agreement to pause hostilities follows months of intensive negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. Under the terms of the ceasefire, a prisoner exchange is anticipated, with Palestinian detainees expected to be swapped for Israeli hostages.
However, late Saturday, Netanyahu issued a stark warning, stating that the swap would not proceed without the hostage list and reaffirming Israel’s readiness to resume military operations if deemed necessary. “The current ceasefire is temporary,” he declared, emphasizing that Israel retains the option to restart its offensive against Hamas, with support from the United States.
The fragile agreement is a critical development in the ongoing Gaza conflict, which has escalated over recent months, leaving thousands dead and displacing countless others. Observers see the ceasefire as a pivotal step toward easing the humanitarian crisis in the region, but the uncertainty surrounding the release of hostages could further complicate its implementation.
Mediators are working to address the impasse, with hopes that both sides will honor their commitments to avoid further bloodshed. As of now, the fate of the ceasefire hinges on Hamas’s ability to meet the demands set by Israel, underscoring the high-stakes nature of the negotiations.
