The Israel-Hamas war cease-fire officially began on Sunday after a slight delay caused by the terror group’s failure to provide the names of the first three hostages to be released. Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher were identified as the initial individuals set to be freed, with an additional 30 hostages expected to follow suit, although a specific timeline was not disclosed.
Initially scheduled to commence at 1:30 a.m., the cease-fire was postponed due to Hamas’s inability to furnish a list of the 33 hostages earmarked for release in the first phase of the agreement. Consequently, the conflict persisted into Sunday morning until the terror group eventually submitted the necessary information, paving the way for the liberation of Gonen, Damari, and Steinbrecher.
In response, Israel has compiled a roster of 90 Palestinian prisoners, encompassing both men and women, who will be granted freedom in exchange for the release of the hostages. The upcoming phase of the truce will witness Hamas releasing an additional four captives on the seventh day.
Amidst these developments, a mass protest was organized by thousands of Israelis to demand an end to the ongoing war, with close friends and family members of the hostages displaying large portraits of their loved ones held in Gaza. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing negotiations and exchanges expected to unfold as part of the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Stay updated on The Post’s live coverage as the release of three hostages from Gaza is anticipated today, marking a significant step forward in the efforts to secure peace and stability in the region.
