Netanyahu says ceasefire won’t begin until Hamas names captives to be freed.

Sun 19 Jan 2025

Netanyahu’s Announcement

Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu has stated that the ceasefire will not commence at the agreed-upon time unless a full list of captives to be released is provided.

Hamas’ Response

Hamas has attributed the delay in providing the hostage list to technical reasons.

Israeli Forces’ Maneuvers

Israeli forces have already been seen withdrawing from Rafah after carrying out attacks on the western and northern parts of the city leading up to the truce.


Correspondent Update: Israeli Demands and Hamas’ Delay

Stephanie Decker, reporting from Amman, highlights the critical nature of the hostage list. Under the agreement, Hamas was required to submit the list 24 hours before releasing captives, but that deadline has not been met.


The Ceasefire Choreography: What Was Planned

  • Fighting was expected to stop immediately after the ceasefire began.
  • Israel was set to release 95 Palestinian prisoners, mostly women from the West Bank.
  • Hamas was expected to release three Israeli captives—women or children, not soldiers.

International Pressure

Intense international pressure is mounting on both sides to ensure the ceasefire moves forward. Qatar, a key mediator, is expected to push Hamas to fulfill its commitments.


Expectations and Delays

While some delays are anticipated, analysts believe it is unlikely the ceasefire will be completely derailed, given the stakes and global attention.


Historical Context of Prisoner Releases

  • Past releases have sparked significant jubilation in the West Bank, despite Israel’s efforts to keep the events low-profile.
  • Many Palestinian prisoners are held under administrative detention without charge, creating tension and emotional significance around their release.

Concluding Notes

As the clock ticks, the world watches with bated breath. The coming hours will reveal whether the ceasefire will proceed as planned or face further obstacles. Stay tuned for updates.

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