A tentative truce between Israel and Hamas is set to begin on Friday, marking the 49th day of the conflict in the Gaza Strip. The four-day ceasefire includes the release of civilian hostages and Palestinian prisoners. The conflict originated when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, resulting in casualties and subsequent Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) retaliation.
Egypt will deliver 130,000 liters of diesel and four trucks of gas daily to Gaza during the truce. The ceasefire, starting at 10:30 am IST, involves the gradual release of 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners. Women and children will be released first, and the truce can be extended for every additional 10 hostages freed.
Fighting intensified before the ceasefire, with Israeli jets targeting over 300 locations, including heavy combat around Jabalia refugee camp. IDF eliminated Amar Abu Jallah, the commander of Hamas’ Khan Yunis naval force, and detained the chief of Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza, accusing the hospital of serving as a Hamas command center.
US President Joe Biden expressed hope for the release of a 3-year-old American girl among the hostages. Palestinian Red Crescent, with UN collaboration, evacuated 190 wounded individuals from Al-Shifa hospital to other hospitals in southern Gaza.
The Hamas-run government claims nearly 15,000 deaths since the conflict’s start, mainly women and children. An Israeli strike on a UN school in Gaza resulted in at least 27 deaths and 93 injuries. In Germany, police raided homes of Hamas and another Palestinian organization’s members and supporters, both banned in the country.
The situation remains complex, with ongoing hostilities despite the agreed ceasefire, and international efforts continue to address the humanitarian crisis and promote a lasting peace.
