US President-elect Donald Trump (File Photo/AP)
Israel-Hamas ceasefire live updates: The first phase of the ceasefire deal between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas began at 11:15 am Gaza local time on Sunday, three hours after its scheduled start time of 6.30 am GMT or 8.30 am Gaza local time as per the agreement. An hour before the deadline, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the ceasefire in Gaza would not begin unless Hamas provided his government with a list of hostages it would release under phase one of the agreement. Hamas said it remains committed to implementing phase one of the ceasefire deal and said the delay was due to “technical and field reasons”….Read More
Israel’s military, meanwhile, continued its attacks across Gaza, where eight people died and 25 were injured in a fresh assault. The Israeli Army spokesperson said the military “continues to attack Gaza” and is “fully ready” to respond if the terms of the deal are “broken” by Hamas. Earlier on Sunday, IDF forces began withdrawing from Gaza’s Rafah to the Philadelphi corridor along the border between Egypt and Gaza.
The withdrawal is part of the three-phase ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States, Qatar and Egypt to bring an end to the 15-month-long war that has killed nearly 47,000 Palestinians, according to data from the Gaza health ministry.
Israel’s continued strikes on Gaza after the deal have reportedly killed more than 70 Palestinians, said the Gaza health ministry.
Israel-Hamas ceasefire | Key points
The first stage of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement is beginning on Sunday. The first phase will last six weeks, and will see the release of 33 of the the remaining 98 hostages – women, children, men over 50, the ill and wounded – by Hamas in return for almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees in Israel.On Sunday, three female Israeli hostages will be released by afternoon through the Red Cross, in return for 30 Hamas prisoners. Four more female hostages will be freed after seven days, followed by the release of three further hostages every seven days thereafter, said lead US negotiator Brett McGurk.In the first phase, the Israeli army will withdraw from some of its positions in northern Gaza and displaced Palestinians from these areas will be allowed to return.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement exposed the fragile nature of the ceasefire agreement. “We reserve the right to resume the war if necessary, with American support,” he said.The ceasefire deal comes days before the January 20 inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump. The Republicans had warned Hamas that there would be “hell to pay” if the hostages were not released swiftly. Trump had also called for a ceasefire deal to be reached swiftly.
Follow all the updates here:
Jan 19, 2025 7:52 PM IST
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live: Mike Walz, nominated by US President-elect Donald Trump as his national security advisor, has said if Hamas reneges on the hostage deal, the US will support Israel “in doing what it has to do.”
“Hamas will never govern Gaza. That is completely unacceptable,” Walz told CBS.
Jan 19, 2025 7:41 PM IST
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said it was ‘important’ that the Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas had finally been implemented and that remaining hostages are released.
Scholz said the release of hostages held by Hamas “should be used for a peaceful development, a perspective in which a Palestinian state can coexist peacefully with Israel.”
Jan 19, 2025 7:04 PM IST
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live: Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich has threatened to quit the coalition government if Israel stops the war against Hamas in Gaza.
Smotrich heads the nationalist Religious Zionism party that is part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
Jan 19, 2025 6:38 PM IST
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live: Ahead of expected release of the first three Israeli hostages, US President-elect Donald Trump posted a message on his Truth Social website, The Times of Israel reported.
“Hostages starting to come out today! Three wonderful young women will be first,” Trump wrote.
Jan 19, 2025 6:21 PM IST
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live: “The entry into force of the agreement offers a historic opportunity for the Israeli people, for the Palestinian people and for the entire region,” Antonio Tajani said.
He added that he will ”confirm to the Israeli and Palestinian authorities the Italian government’s commitment to alleviate the painful conditions of the civilian population that has suffered so much.”
Jan 19, 2025 6:08 PM IST
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live: The office of Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani has said he will visit Israel and Palestinian territories now that a long-awaited ceasefire in Gaza has come into effect.
Tajani will travel Monday to “Israel and Palestine” to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa, the ministry said in a statement.
Jan 19, 2025 5:52 PM IST
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live: Thousands of Palestinians burst into the streets across Gaza as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began on Sunday, some in celebration, others to visit the graves of relatives, while many rushed back to their homes.
Armed Hamas fighters drove through the southern city of Khan Younis, with crowds cheering and chanting, despite an almost three hour delay in the implementation of the agreement, which follows 15 months of devastating conflict.
(Reuters)
Jan 19, 2025 5:37 PM IST
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live: The UK “welcomes” the expected release of British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari after she was named as one of the three women to be released Sunday under a ceasefire deal, the UK foreign office said.
“The UK government welcomes the reports that British national Emily Damari is on the list of hostages to be released by Hamas today. We stand ready to support her upon her release,” the foreign office said in a statement.
Jan 19, 2025 5:10 PM IST
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live: “Thanks to all the parties involved in this important outcome. I hope that, as agreed, it will be immediately respected by the parties and that all the hostages will finally be able to go home to hug their loved ones again,” a statement from Pope Francis of the Vatican read.
“I pray so much for them, and their families. I also hope that humanitarian aid will even more quickly reach… the people of Gaza, who have so many urgent needs. Both Israelis and Palestinians need clear signs of hope. I hope that the political authorities of both, with the help of the international community, can reach the right two-state solution,” the statement added.
Jan 19, 2025 4:52 PM IST
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live: An Israeli campaign group confirmed the names of the three women hostages to be freed by Hamas as part of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal.
The hostages are Emily Damari, Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher. Damari and Steinbrecher.
Jan 19, 2025 4:35 PM IST
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live: Israel to provide a list of 90 Palestinian prisoners, including women and children, who will be released on Sunday, according to Hamas.
Jan 19, 2025 4:16 PM IST
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live: 200 aid trucks, including 20 carrying fuel, have reportedly arrived at the Kerem Shalom crossing for entering Gaza amid the ceasefire.
Jan 19, 2025 4:01 PM IST
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live: “There is no future peace, stability and security for both sides (Israel and Gaza) if Hamas stays in power,” said Israel’ foreign minister Gideon Saar.
Jan 19, 2025 3:47 PM IST
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live: After the Israel-Hamas ceasefire kicked in, Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Saar said the Israeli government remains committed to achieve its goals, including release of Israeli hostages and ‘dismantling’ the governmental and military capabilities of Hamas.
Jan 19, 2025 3:27 PM IST
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live: In a statement, Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said four other ‘living female hostages’ would be freed in seven days.
Jan 19, 2025 3:10 PM IST
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live: Israel’s PMO said the release of three hostages held by Hamas in Gaza would take place after 1400 GMT (7:30 pm IST) on Sunday.
Jan 19, 2025 2:57 PM IST
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live: “Pursuant to the framework for the release of the hostages, the ceasefire of the first stage in Gaza will take effect at 11:15,” read a tweet by the Israel PM’s Office.
Jan 19, 2025 2:46 PM IST
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live: Israel says Gaza ceasefire to begin at 11:15 a.m. local time after Hamas was late to name hostages.
Jan 19, 2025 2:40 PM IST
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live: The three female Israeli hostages are Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari, a Hamas statement said.
Jan 19, 2025 2:22 PM IST
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Live: Families of British-linked hostages have said they are “filled with trepidation” ahead of the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel coming into effect. The agreement, expected to come into force at 6.30am GMT (8.30am local time), will mean a ceasefire in Gaza that would release dozens of hostages and pause the 15-month war with Hamas.
Jan 19, 2025 2:04 PM IST
A spokesperson of Hamas’ armed wing released the names of three Israeli hostages who would be released on Sunday under the phase one ceasefire deal, Reuters reports.
A source in the Israeli government claimed that it had not received the names yet
Jan 19, 2025 1:49 PM IST
Israel’s hardline National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, announced his resignation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition government. His party’s cabinet ministers also submitted their respective resignations.
Gvir had termed the ceasefire deal as “reckless” and alleged that it would “release hundreds of murderous terrorists”.
Netanyahu had slammed the far-right Otzma Yehudit party chief, saying, “Anyone who dissolves the right-wing government will be remembered as an eternal disgrace.”
Jan 19, 2025 1:41 PM IST
The Israeli government received a list of hostages who Hamas will release on Day 1 of the ceasefire deal, Israel’s Channel 12 reports.
Jan 19, 2025 1:30 PM IST
A Hamas official, who wished to remain anonymous, said that the list of hostages to be released by the group will be released “at any moment”.
He emphasised that the delay in sharing the list is purely “technical”.
Jan 19, 2025 1:21 PM IST
The toll due to fresh Israeli strikes continued to increase as eight people were killed and 25 were injured in Gaza after the much-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was delayed.
Jan 19, 2025 1:13 PM IST
Palestinian militant group Hamas said that it remains committed to implementing phase one of the ceasefire deal.
“The delay in submitting the names of those to be released in the first batch is due to technical and field reasons,” Hamas said in a statement.
Jan 19, 2025 1:01 PM IST
Israeli dronstrikes killed three more Palestinians in Eastern Gaza, medics told news agency Reuters. The Israeli military said it continues to “attack” Gaza and expressed readiness to respond if Hamas violated the ceasefire agreement.
Jan 19, 2025 12:51 PM IST
An Israeli official said mediators have assured that the list will be delivered, and the deal is still expected to go forward, though the timing remains in question. The official spoke anonymously because of the ongoing efforts to resolve the matter. (AP)
Jan 19, 2025 12:18 PM IST
The Israeli Army spokesperson said its forces are still operating in Gaza. The statement comes after Prime Minister Netanyahu’s warning not to implement the ceasefire deal without a list of hostages.
The spokesperson said the military is “fully ready” to respond if the terms of the deal are “broken” by Hamas.
Jan 19, 2025 12:10 PM IST
According to the ceasefire deal agreed between Israel and Hamas, the militant group should provide the names of hostages it plans to release at least 24 hours before the planned exchange.
Israel claims that Hamas has not provided it with the list of names so far.
Jan 19, 2025 12:02 PM IST
Israeli Defense Forces, in a statement on Sunday, said it recovered the body of an IDF soldier, SSGT Oron Shaul, who died during a combat in 2014 Operation Protective Edge.
“His body was abducted by the Hamas terrorist organization. The efforts to return him, including the gathering of intelligence, continued for over a decade and during this war,” IDF said.
Jan 19, 2025 11:33 AM IST
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Gaza’s ceasefire would not begin until the Palestinian militant group Hamas provided a list of hostages to be released under phase one of the deal.
Netanyahu’s announcement comes one hour before the ceasefire deadline is set to take effect by 8.30 am local time on Sunday.
Jan 19, 2025 11:06 AM IST
The Israeli army warned Gaza residents not to approach its forces or make any movement towards the buffer zone ahead of a ceasefire taking effect Sunday at 0630 GMT.
“We urge you not to head towards the buffer zone or IDF forces for your safety,” military spokesman Avichay Adraee said on Telegram. “At this stage, heading towards the buffer zone or moving from south to north via Gaza Valley puts you at risk. Anyone heading towards these areas endangers themselves.”
Jan 19, 2025 10:44 AM IST
Ahead of the truce, displaced Gazans prepared to return to whatever is left of their homes.
“I will go to kiss my land,” said Nasr al-Gharabli, who fled Gaza City for a camp farther south. “If I die on my land, it would be better than being here as a displaced person.”
Jerusalem residents said the deal had been coming for a long time.
“Hopefully, a maximum amount of hostages will be coming back”, said Beeri Yemeni, a university student. “Maybe this is the beginning of (the) end of suffering for both sides, hopefully,” he said, adding that “the war needed to end like a long, long time ago.”
Jan 19, 2025 10:28 AM IST
Israeli strikes on Gaza continued on the eve of the truce, with at least five members of one family being killed when a strike hit their tent in Khan Yunis, according to the Gaza Civil Defence agency.
Explosions were heard over Jerusalem as Yemen’s Huthi rebels launched a barrage of missiles at Israel in a show of support for Palestinians.
The Huthis said they targeted the defence ministry in Tel Aviv and also fired two missiles at the Red Sea port city of Eilat.
They also targeted an American aircraft carrier in the Red Sea on Sunday and warned of “consequences” should there be any retaliation during the ceasefire period.
Jan 19, 2025 10:11 AM IST
Families of British-linked hostages have expressed deep anxiety and cautious hope ahead of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel.
Reflecting on the emotional toll of waiting, Ma’anit told the PA news agency: “I think I’m feeling every spectrum of human emotion all at once. I am incredibly anxious, filled with trepidation, but also optimistic.” Read more
Jan 19, 2025 9:47 AM IST
People gathered opposite the Eiffel Tower in Paris on Saturday in support of the hostages held in Gaza, describing being torn between hope and fear.
“It’s a mix of hope and fear,” said Jean-David Ichay, president of the “Tous 7 Octobre” association.
“There’s already the fact that only 33 hostages have been announced so far… The rest will either happen later or not at all,” he said.
Jan 19, 2025 9:21 AM IST
In southern Israel, schools will delay opening until 10 am, anticipating potential Hamas rocket fire just before the ceasefire takes effect, news agency Associated Press reported.
Israeli troops inside Gaza will primarily remain along the borders with Israel and Egypt and will maintain a presence along the road dividing northern and southern Gaza, according to a map released by the Israeli military.
Meanwhile, hundreds of trucks carrying much-needed humanitarian aid are expected to enter Gaza.
Jan 19, 2025 9:04 AM IST
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas will begin at 06.30 am GMT, news agency AFP reported.
Gazans displaced by the war to other parts of the devastated territory were preparing to return home.
Israel has prepared reception centres to provide medical treatment and counselling to the freed hostages before they are returned to their families after their long ordeal.
Jan 19, 2025 8:44 AM IST
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel cannot proceed with the agreed prisoner exchange until Hamas provides the list of hostages to be released in the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.
The government on Friday notified the families of the 33 Israeli hostages expected to be set free.
Israel says 65 more hostages are currently held in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 36 confirmed dead.
Jan 19, 2025 8:22 AM IST
Israeli forces on Sunday began withdrawing from Gaza’s Rafah to the Philadelphi corridor along the border between Egypt and Gaza.
The Philadelphi Corridor, also called Philadelphi Route, is the Israeli code name for a narrow strip of land, some 100 metres wide and 14 km (8.7 miles) long. One purpose of the route was to prevent the movement of illegal materials (including weapons and ammunition) and people between Egypt and the Gaza Strip.