Temporary Ceasefire in Gaza Begins Following 15 Months of Conflict
Israel and Hamas agree to a six-week truce involving a prisoner exchange and humanitarian aid, though long-term peace remains uncertain.
- The ceasefire commenced at 7:30 AM CET, marking the first truce since November 2023 in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
- The agreement includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for 1,904 Palestinian detainees, with the first exchange scheduled for later today.
- UN officials highlight challenges in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, where 90% of the population faces hunger, citing logistical hurdles and local security risks.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the temporary nature of the truce and warned of resuming military action if the agreement collapses.
- Demonstrations in Israel call for the full implementation of the deal to ensure the release of all hostages, as families express concerns over potential setbacks.