Ceasefire in Gaza begins as British-Israeli hostage named for release
The ceasefire was delayed for three hours after names were not given
Last updated 19th Jan 2025
A ceasefire between Israeli forces and Hamas has come into force in Gaza in the first phase of a long-term plan to end the war.
The plan, which was announced on Wednesday (January 15th), faced a number of setbacks from both sides as international efforts were made to ensure the deal was carried through.
Fighting between the two sides had been due to stop at 6:30am British time on Sunday (January 19th) in the initial agreement.
As part of the deal, three Israeli hostages were due to be released by Hamas in exchange for dozens of Palestinian prisoners being held by Israel.
However, despite agreeing to pause fighting at the agreed time, combat between the two sides continued for three hours before the ceasefire went into full effect at 9:15am British time.
Israel said that its forces would continue to operate in Gaza until the names of the hostages were released in accordance with the agreement.
Hamas went on to blame a delay in giving the names of the hostages due to "technical field reasons" in a post on their social media.
Following the formal announcement of the ceasefire entering into force, many Palestinians have started to make their way back to their homes amid the fragile peace in the area.
British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari has been named as one of the first hostages to be released, with her family's lawyer telling her loved ones to "prepare for the worst".
In a statement, Adam Rose said: "Until somebody is in your arms and being hugged and they're alive and well, you have to assume that nothing is happening."
The ceasefire now forms the first part of a three-phase deal that sets out to formally end the war between Israel and Hamas following the attacks on October 7th.
Negotiations between the two sides will continue for the next six weeks, according to the agreement, with fighting continuing to pause to allow for aid to enter Gaza.