A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect at 11:15 SAST on Sunday following a delay of nearly three hours.
Gaza ceasefire in effect from Sunday, 19 January 2025
Mediator Qatar confirmed the agreement, which aims to halt hostilities and address urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced the truce, stating that Hamas had fulfilled its commitment to provide the names of three Israeli female captives set to be released later in the day.
The women were identified as Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari.
Key points of the ceasefire agreement
According to reports, the ceasefire deal includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from central Gaza and the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza over the coming weeks.
Additional terms involve:
- The daily entry of 600 truckloads of humanitarian aid into Gaza, with 300 trucks designated for the north.
- Delivery of 50 truckloads of fuel daily to alleviate severe shortages.
- The return of displaced individuals to commence seven days after the truce began.
UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, reported that 4,000 truckloads of aid, half carrying food and flour, are prepared to enter Gaza.
Despite the agreement, violence persisted during the initial hours of the ceasefire delay.
Israeli strikes reportedly killed at least 10 Palestinians, including one individual in Rafah, as captured in verified video footage.
Palestinian authorities have urged residents to avoid destroyed areas, adhere to safety instructions, and exercise caution around suspicious objects or rockets.
Thousands of police officers have been deployed in Gaza to maintain order and facilitate recovery efforts.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry confirmed the ceasefire’s start, emphasising its role in mediating the agreement.
Meanwhile, humanitarian organisations, including the UN, are poised to deliver assistance to the war-torn region.
The six-week truce offers a critical opportunity to address dire conditions in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes since October 2023 have caused widespread devastation.
With over 17,800 children killed and basic services severely disrupted, the ceasefire is seen as a crucial step toward alleviating the humanitarian crisis.