On Friday, Israel and Hamas initiated a four-day ceasefire, with the Palestinian group due to release 13 Israeli women and children hostages later in the day and supplies flowing into the beleaguered Gaza Strip, marking the first respite in the nearly seven-week-old conflict.
Ceasefire Begins in Gaza Conflict at 7 a.m. (0500 GMT), Covering North and South Gaza. Release of Hostages and Prisoner Exchange Planned Following Hamas’ Oct. 7 Attack in Israel, Mediated by Qatar. Despite the Truce, Fighting Persists, with Gaza City Hospital Among the Targets. Both Sides Indicate the Pause Is Temporary, with the likelihood of resumed hostilities.
The Indonesian hospital in Gaza faced severe challenges, enduring continuous bombing without proper lighting and housing elderly individuals and frail children unable to relocate, according to Gaza health officials. Mounir El Barsh, the director of the Gaza health ministry, reported one fatality—a wounded woman—and three others injured in Israel’s assault.
Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed Al-Ansari, announced that additional aid would be sent to Gaza, with the initial release of hostages, including elderly women, scheduled at 4 p.m. (1400 GMT), and the total number reaching 50 over the next four days. Egypt committed to delivering 130,000 litres of diesel and four trucks of gas daily to Gaza, along with 200 trucks of aid entering the region daily.
The Qatari spokesperson also mentioned the expected release of Palestinians from Israeli jails, expressing hope that the truce would pave the way for broader efforts towards a lasting peace. Hamas, on its Telegram channel, confirmed a cessation of hostilities from its forces against Israel during the truce.
