Israel’s planned ceasefire with Hamas has been delayed as Israeli officials announced on Sunday that military operations in Gaza will continue. The delay comes amid a dispute over Hamas’s failure to provide a list of hostages set to be released.
Under the proposed ceasefire agreement, Hamas was expected to release a group of hostages, starting with three individuals on Sunday. However, Israeli authorities stated that without receiving the names of these hostages, they could not proceed with halting military actions.
“The ceasefire will not commence until we have confirmation of the hostages’ identities,” an Israeli government spokesperson said. “Our priority is the safe return of our citizens.”
Hamas has not publicly responded to the accusations. The ceasefire, which was scheduled to begin on Sunday, aimed to bring a temporary halt to the ongoing conflict that has resulted in significant casualties and destruction in Gaza.
The delay prolongs uncertainty for civilians on both sides, many of whom had hoped for a respite from the violence. International observers have expressed concern over the escalating tensions and have called for both parties to resume talks.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has deep roots, with recent escalations causing widespread concern globally. The international community continues to urge a peaceful resolution and the protection of civilian lives.
As the situation develops, many are watching closely to see if the ceasefire agreement can be salvaged and if the hostages will be released safely.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
