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Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Begins After Three-Hour Delay; Three Israeli Women Hostages to Be Released

Jan 19, 2025, 08:07 AM

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza took effect at 11:15 a.m. local time on Sunday after a nearly three-hour delay caused by Hamas's failure to provide a list of hostages scheduled for release. The truce was originally set to begin at 8:30 a.m., but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that it would not proceed until Hamas provided the names. Hamas cited technical reasons for the delay but eventually delivered the list, naming three Israeli women to be released: Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31. During the delay, Israel continued strikes on Gaza. With the names received, the ceasefire commenced, and the hostages are expected to be released later in the day.