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The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continue to ⁣carry out operations in Gaza, with a ceasefire pending on Hamas⁤ fulfilling its​ obligations under the agreement. IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari ⁢emphasized this in a statement Sunday morning, stating,⁤ “the ceasefire will not begin until Hamas fulfills its part⁤ of the agreement.”

Central to the delay is Hamas’ failure‌ to provide Israel with a⁤ list of hostages slated for release.⁣ Hagari⁤ noted that, according⁢ to the agreement, Hamas was required ⁢to hand over the names ⁢of three hostages ⁢by​ Sunday. However,an unnamed Israeli official informed AP that mediators‌ have assured the list’s imminent delivery,though the timing remains uncertain.

By mid-morning, Hamas reportedly submitted⁢ the ⁤list ​to Israeli ⁢authorities, as confirmed by Israeli broadcaster Keshet 12.This followed a Hamas official’s earlier statement indicating the list would be ‍provided “soon.” Despite this progress, IDF operations persisted, ⁣with Prime Minister benjamin‍ Netanyahu instructing the military to delay the ceasefire until the list was received.

Escalation Amid Negotiations

While⁣ Hamas expressed commitment⁢ to the agreement, it cited “technical reasons” for the delay in submitting the hostage list. Details about​ these issues remain undisclosed. Simultaneously occurring,reports from Gaza suggest ongoing hostilities. Al Jazeera’s correspondent ⁤in Deir al-Balah reported hearing explosions ⁣Sunday morning, while AFP journalists documented Israeli airstrikes in the region.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked the IDF not to start the ceasefire until Israel receives the list from Hamas of names of hostages to⁣ be released. Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg / AP / NTB

The IDF confirmed ‍targeting ‍”terrorist sites” in northern and central Gaza, with Palestinian health officials reporting three fatalities in ⁣an attack‍ on Gaza City. Netanyahu reiterated on Saturday that Israel would not proceed with the ceasefire ⁣or prisoner exchange without the hostage ‍list. The IDF has also warned Gaza residents to remain cautious until the ceasefire is officially implemented.

Path to Peace?

efforts to broker a ceasefire have been spearheaded by Egypt, Qatar,‌ and the United States. The agreement outlines a phased approach,beginning with the ⁢release of 33​ Israeli hostages within six weeks. In exchange, Israel‍ will release 1,890 Palestinian prisoners, according⁢ to Egyptian officials. The plan includes three⁣ phases, though its success hinges on adherence from ‍both sides.

The conflict, now in its 15th month, ⁢has resulted in important loss ‌of ​life, widespread displacement, and extensive damage across Gaza. The war was ignited by Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2024. Since then, hostilities have persisted, with‌ onyl a⁣ brief pause in late November 2023. The current negotiations ‌represent a critical opportunity to de-escalate tensions, though challenges remain in securing lasting peace.

what are the potential consequences for the hostages and their families if⁤ the ceasefire agreement collapses?

Interview with Dr. Yael ⁣Mizrahi, Middle east‍ Conflict Analyst

Archyde News Network – ​January 19, 2025

Archyde Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Mizrahi. Thank you for joining us today. The ​recent developments in ‍the Israel-Hamas ⁣conflict have been complex ⁣and fluid.Can you​ help our readers understand the current status of the ceasefire agreement?

Dr. mizrahi: Absolutely. The⁤ ceasefire and hostage release deal,‌ which was expected to take effect on Sunday,⁣ hinges on Hamas fulfilling its obligations under the ⁤agreement. Specifically,‌ Hamas was required to provide Israel ⁤with a list of hostages slated for release by Sunday. However, as of now, this list has not been delivered, delaying the implementation of the ⁤ceasefire.

Archyde Editor: IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari emphasized that the ceasefire will not begin until Hamas fulfills its part of the agreement. What⁤ does this tell us about the dynamics of the negotiation process?⁤

Dr. ⁢Mizrahi: This ⁤underscores the fragile nature of such​ agreements. The IDF’s insistence on adherence ⁣to ⁢the terms reflects Israel’s strategic approach: ensuring that every​ step is verified before moving forward. It also highlights the mistrust between the⁢ parties. For Israel,the release of hostages is a critical component,and any delay in receiving the names of those who⁣ will ‍be released raises concerns about Hamas’s commitment to the deal. ⁤

Archyde Editor: There ‍have been reports that mediators have assured Israel the list ‌is imminent. ‍How reliable ‍are these assurances, and what could be causing ‌the delay?⁣

dr. Mizrahi: Mediators frequently enough ⁤play ‍a crucial role in bridging gaps between conflicting parties, but their assurances are only ​as good as the actions ‌that follow.The delay could ‍stem from logistical challenges on Hamas’s side, internal ‍disagreements within the group,⁣ or even strategic calculations. Hamas may be using the delay as leverage⁤ to negotiate additional concessions or to test Israel’s resolve.⁣

Archyde Editor: What are the potential implications of​ this ‍delay for the broader conflict?

Dr. mizrahi: Every delay increases the risk of spiraling tensions. The IDF⁢ continues its⁤ operations in ⁢Gaza,and any escalation could undermine the​ ceasefire before it even begins. For the hostages and‌ their families, the uncertainty is agonizing.On a broader scale, this delay could erode confidence in the negotiation process,‌ making future agreements even⁣ harder to reach.

Archyde editor: Looking ahead, what key ⁤factors will determine whether this ceasefire holds and the hostage release⁢ proceeds as planned?

Dr. Mizrahi: ⁣the immediate factor is hamas’s delivery of the hostage list. Beyond that, both sides must demonstrate ⁢a commitment to de-escalation. israel will likely insist‌ on rigorous verification of the released hostages, while ‍Hamas may seek⁢ guarantees regarding‍ its ‍own demands, ⁣such as the easing of the‌ blockade on Gaza. International mediators will need to remain actively engaged⁤ to ensure compliance and address⁤ any emerging disputes.

Archyde Editor: Thank you, Dr. mizrahi, for your insights. This is⁤ undoubtedly a critical moment in ‌the conflict,⁤ and ⁢your analysis helps⁤ shed light on the complexities ⁣at play.

Dr. Mizrahi: ⁢ Thank you⁢ for having me. It’s a pivotal moment, and I hope both sides can​ find a way to move forward constructively for the⁣ sake of ‌all those affected.

End of Interview