Netanyahu: No Gaza Truce Until Hamas Lists Hostages
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Synopsis
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists that the Gaza ceasefire agreement will not move forward until Hamas provides a list of 33 hostages designated for release on Sunday. This demand comes just hours before the ceasefire talks are set to begin, emphasizing Israel's zero tolerance for violations.
Key Takeaways
- Netanyahu demands a hostage list from Hamas.
- Ceasefire agreement hinges on the release of 33 hostages.
- Violations of the ceasefire will not be tolerated.
- 42-day initial phase for the ceasefire deal.
- Exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners planned.
Tel Aviv, Jan 19 (NationPress) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted that Israel will not advance with the Gaza ceasefire agreement until Hamas submits a list of the names of 33 hostages to be released in the initial phase on Sunday.
This announcement comes just hours before the ceasefire negotiations were scheduled for Sunday.
On Saturday, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will not accept any breaches of the ceasefire and holds Hamas entirely accountable.
The agreement stipulates that Hamas must provide the names of the hostages at least 24 hours prior to their release, which has yet to occur.
"We will not proceed with the agreement until we receive the list of hostages earmarked for release, as promised. Israel will not accept any violations of the agreement. The responsibility lies solely with Hamas," Netanyahu stated on Saturday.
Israel's security cabinet had sanctioned the Gaza ceasefire deal, which involves the exchange of numerous hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons, alongside a temporary halt in the ongoing 15-month conflict.
This anticipated decision followed Netanyahu's convening of his security cabinet to vote on the long-awaited ceasefire agreement with Gaza.
Under the first phase of the agreement, which is set to last 42 days, Hamas has committed to releasing 33 hostages, including children, women — including female soldiers — and individuals aged over 50.
In exchange, Israel will release 50 Palestinian prisoners for every female Israeli soldier freed by Hamas and 30 prisoners for other female hostages.
The 15-month war between Israel and Palestine, which resulted in nearly 48,000 fatalities, was ignited by the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
During this devastating assault, over 1,200 individuals were killed in Israel and 250 people were taken hostage.
The first phase of the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel is set to commence at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, as announced by mediator Qatar, while families of hostages in Gaza await updates on their loved ones, Palestinians prepare for the return of freed detainees, and humanitarian organizations rush to provide aid.
Both parties have indicated that a hostage-for-prisoner exchange will occur only after 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The initial phase of the ceasefire will last 42 days, with negotiations for the significantly more challenging second phase expected to begin in just over two weeks. Following these six weeks, Israel’s security Cabinet will determine the next steps.
