Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas are poised to commence a four-day truce starting today, Friday morning. The breakthrough agreement, announced by mediators in Qatar, includes the initial release of 13 Israeli women and child hostages.
The truce will start at 7 a.m. local time (0500 GMT), signalling a comprehensive ceasefire in both the north and south of Gaza.
As part of the truce, additional aid will begin flowing into Gaza, and the first group of hostages, including elderly women, will be freed at 4 p.m. The total number of hostages released will reach 50 throughout the truce.
The agreement also anticipates the release of Palestinians from Israeli jails. An operations room in Doha, with direct communication lines to Israel, the Hamas political office in Doha, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, will monitor the truce and hostage release.
Despite this temporary truce, both Israel and Hamas have indicated they might resume fighting after its conclusion. The recent conflict, which began with a cross-border incursion by Hamas, has resulted in significant casualties and destruction, including heavy bombardment in Gaza and widespread violence.
International mediators hope to extend this temporary ceasefire into a longer-lasting peace, but the situation remains fraught with complexity and uncertainty. Meanwhile, international concern grows over the humanitarian impact, especially on medical facilities and civilians in the conflict zones.
