19 January 2025
Netanyahu says ceasefire won’t start until hostages’ names are released
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again said that a ceasefire in Gaza will not begin until Hamas releases the names of hostages to be released in the first phase of a true deal, his office said.
“The Prime Minister instructed the IDF to cease fire, which will take effect at 8:30 a.m. [0630 GMT]”The operation will not begin until Israel releases the list of abducted people, which Hamas has promised to make available,” his office said in a statement.
Hamas responded with a statement blaming “technical sector reasons” for the delay in releasing the names.
However it reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire deal agreed last week.
https://p.dw.com/p/4pKnr
19 January 2025
Gaza residents warned not to go near Israeli troops, buffer zone
The Israeli military (Israel Defense Forces) has issued an online warning to Gaza residents ahead of the impending ceasefire to avoid moving towards its troops or the buffer zone, saying that doing so would put them in danger.
“We urge you not to head towards the buffer zone or IDF forces for your safety,” military spokesman Avichai Adrai said on social media. “At this stage, going towards the buffer zone or going from south to north through the Gaza Valley puts you at risk. Anyone going towards these areas puts themselves at risk.”
X, earlier in a statement on Twitter, Adrai also warned against using the sea in coastal areas for “fishing, swimming and diving”.
https://p.dw.com/p/4pKmi
19 January 2025
Gaza ceasefire agreement will come into force
The ceasefire in the fighting between Israel and Hamas is due to come into effect at 8:30 am local time (0630 GMT).
Hamas has agreed to release 33 hostages in the first phase of the deal. In exchange, hundreds of Palestinians would be released from Israeli custody.
It is being told that three female hostages will be released on the first day of the ceasefire. Israeli media reported that his release was scheduled for 4 pm local time.
The deal includes three phases, the first of which will include an initial six-week break in fighting.
On Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the first phase of the agreement a “temporary ceasefire” and stressed that Israel could return to war if necessary.
The deal was announced on Wednesday after months of negotiations brokered by the United States, Egypt and Qatar.
SDI/SMS (AP, AFP, Reuters, dpa)
https://p.dw.com/p/4pKmR
