Israel to Release 737 Prisoners in First Phase of Truce Deal
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A ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict is set to begin Sunday at 6:30 AM GMT, according to Qatar’s foreign ministry. The announcement comes after Israel’s cabinet approved a truce and a deal to exchange hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
Mediators Confirm Ceasefire Details
Qatar, along with the United States and Egypt, played a key role in mediating the agreement. Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the ceasefire in Gaza would start at 8:30 AM local time on January 19. “We advise residents to stay cautious and follow official updates,” he said.
Truce Follows Intense Violence
Despite the announcement of the ceasefire earlier in the week, heavy violence continued in Gaza. Israeli airstrikes killed at least 113 people in 24 hours, according to Gaza’s civil defense rescue agency. Photos from Khan Yunis showed residents mourning family members lost in recent bombings.
Explosions were also reported in Jerusalem on Saturday morning after warning sirens sounded. Israel’s military said the projectile came from Yemen, where Iran-backed rebels have declared their support for Palestinians.
Hostage-Prisoner Exchange
As part of the truce deal, 737 Palestinian prisoners will be released by Israel. However, no releases are expected before Sunday afternoon, at 4 PM local time (1400 GMT). Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that the agreement aligns with the government’s goals for the ongoing conflict.
This marks the second ceasefire in the conflict, which began more than 15 months ago following Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. That attack left 1,210 people dead and saw 251 individuals taken hostage, of whom 94 remain in Gaza.
Humanitarian Impact
The war has devastated Gaza, with 46,876 people killed, most of them civilians, according to Hamas-run health ministry figures verified by the United Nations. Much of the region’s infrastructure has been destroyed, leaving residents in desperate need of humanitarian aid.
Months of Negotiations Finally Yield Results
The truce follows months of unsuccessful mediation efforts. Mediators emphasized that this agreement represents a critical step toward reducing hostilities and providing relief to war-affected communities.