Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Delayed in Effect... 3-Hour Struggle Over Hostage List

by Park Eugenie

Published 19 Jan.2025 20:28(KST)

Updated 20 Jan.2025 07:14(KST)

Ceasefire Phase One Takes Effect on the 19th

Yonhap News

After 15 months of war, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has come into effect. However, it started about three hours later than scheduled due to last-minute issues with the delivery of the hostage list.

According to major foreign media, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced that the first phase of the ceasefire with the Palestinian armed group Hamas took effect around 11:15 a.m. local time on the 19th. This was about three hours later than the originally planned 8:30 a.m.

After many twists and turns, both sides reached an agreement on the ceasefire, setting the plans for hostage return and troop withdrawal in three phases. However, the ceasefire was delayed because Hamas did not submit the list of three hostages promised for release that day. The Israeli military resumed airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, accusing Hamas of not fulfilling its obligations under the agreement. Major foreign media, citing local medical personnel, reported that at least eight people were killed and 25 injured in the Gaza Strip due to Israeli drone and other bombings that day.

Hamas later disclosed the list, stating that the delay was due to technical issues and that it is complying with the ceasefire agreement. Considering the delay in the ceasefire implementation, there is a possibility of conflicts arising during the future execution of the agreement.

According to the agreement, Israel will release a large number of Palestinian prisoners in the first phase, withdraw from the Gaza Strip in the second phase in exchange for the return of all hostages, and the third phase plans for a permanent ceasefire and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

The hostages to be released that day are Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher, who have been held by Hamas since October 7, 2023. Gonen was abducted at the Nova music festival, while Damari and Steinbrecher were kidnapped from their home in the Kfar Aza kibbutz. Damari holds dual British citizenship.