Deir Al-Balah (Gaza Strip): A long-awaited cease-fire in Gaza has begun after a nearly three-hour delay. The truce was postponed after Hamas did not name the three hostages it plans to release later Sunday.
Israel vowed to keep fighting until it received the names, which were posted on social media by Hamas’ armed wing around two hours later. That appeared to pave the way for the start of the ceasefire, which Israel said would begin at 11.
The delayed start raised tensions in the region, with both sides accusing each other of violating the agreed-upon timeline. However, with the names now public, the cease-fire is officially in effect.
"We are relieved to see the cease-fire finally taking place," said a spokesperson for the United Nations. "We hope that this will bring much-needed peace to the region."
Despite the delay, many are hopeful that the cease-fire will hold and lead to a lasting peace in Gaza. The international community has been closely monitoring the situation and urging both sides to work towards a peaceful resolution.
As the cease-fire takes effect, residents of Gaza are cautiously optimistic about the future. Many are hopeful that this will be the first step towards rebuilding their lives and communities after years of conflict.
With tensions still high in the region, it remains to be seen whether the cease-fire will hold in the long term. However, for now, there is a sense of relief that the violence has temporarily come to an end.
