23-11-2023 (GAZA) In a late-night announcement on Wednesday, Israel’s National Security Adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, confirmed that the release of hostages, part of a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas, will not occur before November 24. The ceasefire agreement, reached on November 22, aims to facilitate the entry of aid into Gaza and secure the release of at least 50 hostages held by Hamas in exchange for around 150 Palestinians detained in Israel.
The precise starting time for the truce and the release of hostages, captured by Hamas during the October 7 attack on Israel, has not been officially disclosed. According to an Egyptian security source, mediators are pushing for a commencement time of 10 am local time on November 23.
Reports from Israel’s public broadcaster, Kan, suggest a 24-hour delay due to the unsigned agreement by Hamas and the mediator, Qatar. Despite the delay, there is optimism that the agreement will be implemented upon signing.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not mention any potential delay in the truce’s implementation. The first-of-its-kind truce, mediated by Qatar, is viewed globally as a positive step toward alleviating civilian suffering in besieged Gaza and bringing Israeli captives home.
While Arab ministers praised the agreement, they emphasized it should be a precursor to a comprehensive ceasefire. Israel indicated the possibility of extending the ceasefire if additional hostages are released, with reports suggesting up to 100 hostages could be freed by the end of the month.
Hamas, along with allied groups, had captured and killed approximately 1,200 people and taken around 240 hostages during the October 7 attack. Israel responded with a siege and continuous bombardment, resulting in over 14,000 casualties in Gaza, according to medical officials.
White House National Security Spokesperson John Kirby commented on the development, stating that the release of the initial 50 hostages, primarily women and children, would begin over the next 24 hours. The United States expressed hope that hundreds of humanitarian aid trucks would reach Gaza in the coming days.
In a statement on the deal, President Joe Biden urged the full implementation of all aspects. The Red Cross is set to visit any remaining hostages in Gaza, as stated by Prime Minister Netanyahu.
The release of the 50 hostages is planned over four days, with a minimum of 10 hostages released daily. The truce may be extended day by day as long as an additional 10 hostages are freed each day. Israel’s justice ministry published a list of 300 names of Palestinian prisoners who could potentially be released.
Hamas confirmed that the initial 50 hostages would be exchanged for 150 Palestinian women and children imprisoned in Israel. As part of the truce, hundreds of trucks carrying humanitarian, medical, and fuel supplies will enter Gaza, and Israel will cease air sorties over southern Gaza, maintaining a daily six-hour no-fly window in the north.
Qatar’s chief negotiator, Minister of State at the Foreign Ministry Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, affirmed that the truce entails no military movements or attacks.
Arab foreign ministers, visiting Britain and France, supported the agreement’s extension and emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan with timelines and guarantees to end the Gaza war and address the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
Both Israel and Hamas asserted that the pause in hostilities would not deter their broader missions, with Prime Minister Netanyahu stating, “We are winning, and we will continue to fight until a complete victory.” Hamas echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing their readiness to defend the people and defeat the occupation.
