A four-day cease-fire, mediated by Qatar and the US, commenced Friday morning between Israel and Hamas, with the first batch of 13 Israeli hostages scheduled for release at 4 pm. This pause in fighting began at 7 am, marking a critical moment in the ongoing conflict.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed the temporary truce and outlined the initial release of hostages. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has received a preliminary list of abductees and notified the families accordingly.
The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing, affirmed the cease-fire terms, stating that 50 hostages would be released over four days. For each Israeli hostage, three Palestinian prisoners held for terror offenses will be freed.
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This deal also permits the entry of fuel and humanitarian supplies into Gaza during the cease-fire. The agreement comes after nearly seven weeks of warfare, initiated by Hamas on Oct. 7, which resulted in significant civilian casualties and hostage-taking.
Israeli officials remain hopeful that more hostages may be released, with one additional day of calm expected for every 10 additional hostages freed. Each group of released hostages will be transferred to Israel via Gaza’s border crossings, followed by Israel’s release of Palestinian prisoners.
Israel has vowed to refrain from military action during the truce but reserves the right to retaliate if Hamas violates the cease-fire terms. The War Cabinet has committed to continuing to pursue its objectives after the truce has expired.
Approximately one and a half hours after the truce commenced, TV footage revealed humanitarian aid trucks with food, cooking fuel, water, and medicine entering the Gaza Strip from Egypt. Two trucks affiliated with Egyptian organizations displayed banners proclaiming “Together for Humanity” while another bore the message “For our brothers in Gaza.”