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Monday, February 17, 2025

Gaza Strip Conflict Update: Ceasefire Postponed

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A planned ceasefire in the Gaza Strip was delayed due to a hold-up in transmitting a list of hostages to be released by Hamas. Although Israel received the list, which includes three civilian women, tensions escalated as military operations continued. The ceasefire agreement involves the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Political pressure mounts on Prime Minister Netanyahu amid potential coalition instability as he faces backlash over the agreement.

Delay in Ceasefire Implementation

The anticipated ceasefire in the Gaza Strip failed to commence as scheduled on Sunday morning due to a holdup in the transmission of a list containing the names of initial hostages that Hamas intends to release. Fortunately, Israel has now received this critical list.

Originally, the ceasefire was set to take effect at 7:30 AM German time. However, its start has been postponed, with Israel attributing the delay to the actions of the militant group Hamas. By the time the ceasefire was meant to commence, Israel had not yet obtained the name list of the first hostages to be released, despite the stipulation in the agreement that such a list would be provided 24 hours in advance. Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari stressed that without this list, military operations in the Gaza Strip would persist. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this sentiment early Sunday, emphasizing the necessity of the name list for the ceasefire to take effect.

Hostage Release and Political Repercussions

Following the delay, Israeli officials confirmed that they have received the list, which includes the names of three hostages scheduled for release that day. Reports indicate that these are three civilian women who were abducted from Israel. Hamas cited technical issues as the reason for the delay in providing the name list.

According to the ceasefire agreement reached on Wednesday, a total of 33 Israeli hostages are to be released over the course of the six-week ceasefire, in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners by Israel. The Israeli Ministry of Justice had previously released a list of 95 Palestinian prisoners slated for release on Sunday, the majority of whom are women.

Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the total number of prisoners to be released during the ceasefire. While Israel reported on Friday that 737 prisoners would be freed, Egypt later indicated that the figure exceeds 1,890.

As tensions mount, the Israeli military launched further attacks on targets in the Gaza Strip shortly after announcing the ceasefire delay. These assaults reportedly resulted in several casualties, with at least five fatalities reported in Gaza City. However, these figures remain unverified.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has been vocal about Israel’s readiness to resume military action if Hamas breaches the agreements or if the ceasefire proves ineffective. He received backing from both President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, asserting, “If we have to return to fighting, we will do so in a new, vigorous manner.”

Amid these developments, Netanyahu faces mounting domestic pressure following his approval of the agreement with Hamas. On Sunday, far-right police and security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir declared his intention to withdraw from the coalition with Netanyahu’s Likud party. Reports indicate that two additional ministers from the national-religious camp have also resigned. While Netanyahu retains a parliamentary majority without Ben-Gvir, this could shift if other parties follow suit.

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