A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has taken effect after a delay caused by Hamas not providing the names of hostages to be released.
The truce marks the first phase of a deal that includes the release of three Israeli female hostages and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The ceasefire, initially delayed by hours, brings hope for an end to the 15-month-long conflict that has devastated Gaza and claimed tens of thousands of lives. The hostages were handed over to the Red Cross and returned to Israel, signaling the start of a phased prisoner exchange.
Negotiations for the next steps of the ceasefire are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
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While it's good to see hostages being released, it's a stark reminder of how government conflicts and power struggles end up costing innocent lives and freedom on all sides.
It’s a relief to see the hostages finally coming home, but let’s not forget who’s responsible for taking them in the first place—Hamas thrives on terror and uses innocent lives as bargaining chips. While every life saved is a victory, this ceasefire needs to be approached with caution; we’ve seen too many times how temporary truces are exploited by Hamas to regroup and rearm. Israel has every right to defend its citizens and ensure long-term security. Here’s hoping this leads to meaningful change, but history warns us to stay vigilant.
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Hamas Releases First Three Israeli Hostages As Gaza Ceasefire Takes Effect
The first three Israeli hostages were transferred to the Red Cross on Sunday, marking the start of the long-awaited Gaza truce, according to a Hamas official and the Israeli military. The hostages, all women, were handed over in Gaza City before being sent back to Israel.
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Hamas releases three female Israeli hostages after ceasefire comes into effect in Gaza
Israeli military strikes kill at least eight Palestinians across Gaza on Sunday morning amid delay in implementing ceasefire
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The latest on Gaza ceasefire: Hamas releases first three hostages
The ceasefire is set to pause the fighting after 15 months of war and see the release of dozens of hostages held by the militants in the Gaza Strip and hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel
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