Ceasefire begins
After a nearly three-hour delay, the ceasefire comes into effect in Gaza.
Mediator Qatar confirms beginning of Gaza ceasefire
In a statement, the spokesperson of Qatar’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed that the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has begun.
“Regarding reports when the ceasefire will begin in Gaza, we confirm that the names of the 3 hostages to be released today have been handed over to the Israeli side,” Majed al-Ansari said.
“They are three Israeli citizens, one of whom is of Romanian nationality and the other of British nationality, and thus the ceasefire has begun.”
Nineteen Palestinians killed during ceasefire delay: Civil Defence
At least 19 people were killed and 36 wounded in Israeli attacks on Gaza amid the ceasefire delay, by about three hours – to 11:30am local time (09:30 GMT), according to Mahmoud Basal, the spokesperson for Gaza’s Civil Defence.
One person was killed in Rafah, six in Khan Younis, nine in Gaza City and three people were killed in the north, he said in a statement.
Palestinian police officers deployed in various areas of Gaza
The Government Media Office in Gaza says thousands of Palestinian police officers have been deployed in the territory “as part of a government plan to maintain security and order across various governorates”, adding that municipalities have started “reopening and rehabilitating streets”.
“Government ministries and institutions are fully prepared to begin operations according to the government plan to ensure the swift and gradual return of normal life,” said the statement, adding that the return of displaced people will commence seven days after the ceasefire comes into effect.
“We also call on our people to obtain information from official government sources, stay away from destroyed areas to avoid potential dangers, avoid shelled homes to prevent sudden collapses, and stay clear of suspicious rockets and objects,” the statement added.
“Adherence to safety instructions and raising awareness levels is essential.”
Israel says 3 captives to be freed at 14:00 GMT; 4 more in a week
PM Netanyahu’s office says the release of three captives held in Gaza will take place after 14:00 GMT.
In a statement, it also said four other female captives would be freed in seven days.
The six-week, phase one ceasefire includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from central Gaza and the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza.
The deal requires 600 truckloads of humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza every day of the ceasefire, 50 carrying fuel, with 300 of the trucks allocated to the north, where conditions for civilians are particularly harsh.
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