
Photo: Getty Images
Destruction in the Gaza Strip
The ceasefire became possible after Hamas handed over a list of the first hostages to be released.
The Israeli authorities have announced the start of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, The Time of Israel reported on Sunday, January 19.
"After Hamas handed over a list of hostages scheduled to be released today, Israel said the ceasefire would take effect at 11:15 a.m. local time," the report said.
The first phase of the truce was originally scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. today. However, it was postponed because Hamas was late in handing over the names of three female hostages who were to be released today. They are Romy Gonen (24), Emily Damari (28) and Doron Steinbrecher (31).

Three Israeli hostages who are to be released today. Photo: newsru.co.il
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continued to strike Hamas terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip for the past two hours.
As is known, this week in the capital of Qatar, representatives of Israel and the Hamas group signed an agreement on a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. The peace agreement was supposed to come into effect at 8.30:19 a.m. on Sunday, January XNUMX, local time in Gaza (the same as in Kyiv). The IDF confirmed the start time of the ceasefire in a statement.
The first phase of the operation is to release 737 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons, as well as 1167 Gaza detainees not involved in the October 7 attack. In return, Hamas is to release 33 of the 98 Israeli hostages held in Gaza during a six-week pause in hostilities. Israeli authorities believe that these hostages are still alive, but Hamas has not yet confirmed this.
It is expected that on the evening of January 19, the first hostages will be handed over to the Red Cross and rescue teams from Egypt and Qatar. The released prisoners will then be taken to Egypt and handed over to the Israeli side, which will provide them with medical examinations.
The day before, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the war with Hamas could resume if the second phase of the peace agreement fails.
Meanwhile, this morning, media reported that Israel has begun withdrawing troops from Gaza.