A representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the ceasefire will begin at 7 am (6 am in Poland), and the first hostages will be released on the 16th (3 pm in Poland). A list of all civilians to be released has been agreed upon.
Details of the temporary ceasefire
The spokesman explained that the first group of hostages to be released consisted of 13 people. They are Israeli citizens. Qatar has received a list containing their names. Asked about hostages from other countries, Qatar’s representative said the release of women and children was considered a priority. “Extension of ceasefire is part of formula aimed at freeing hostages,” he said. Al-Ansari added that the objective of the ceasefire is to end this pause in a permanent ceasefire.
The Times of Israel reported that reports of the start of the ceasefire were confirmed by Hamas on Friday morning. The organization said the ceasefire would last for four days during which 50 hostages would be released.
Hamas added that for every Israeli hostage, three Palestinians previously convicted and imprisoned in Israel on terrorism charges would be freed.
Ceasefire negotiations
A ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages kidnapped by Hamas from Israel were scheduled to begin on Thursday. Palestinian sources say a decision on the matter has been postponed due to discussions over technical conditions. Negotiations for the release of the hostages were mediated by Qatar and Egypt.
As a result of these talks, Hamas agreed to release about 50 women and children from the nearly 240 hostages it kidnapped on October 7 this year. The youngest of the hostages was only 10 months old at the time of the Hamas terror attack. The hostages – who were reportedly released earlier by both sides – are currently being held. In mines built underground in the Gaza Strip.
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