IOF says attacks continue in Gaza, ceasefire still not in effect
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Despite the ceasefire taking effect at the scheduled time, Israeli forces continue bombing Gaza, claiming that it has not officially taken effect.
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Israeli occupation forces are crossing into the occupied territories from the Gaza Strip, on January 18, 2025. (AP)
On Sunday, the Israeli military stated that its operations in Gaza were ongoing, emphasizing that a ceasefire with Hamas had not yet taken effect. The occupation forces claimed that Hamas had not yet provided a list of captives to be released, which was a condition for the truce to begin.
"The IDF continues to strike within the Gaza area at this time. According to the prime minister's directives, the ceasefire will not come into effect until Hamas fulfills its commitments," Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a televised statement.
Hamas explained that it was committed to the ceasefire agreement, and that the delay was purely due to technical difficulties.
Mediators later informed the Israeli government that they received the names of the captives to be released today, according to Reuters which cited informed sources.
Footage captured hundreds of Gazans celebrating and cheering in the central city of Deir el-Balah after 08:30 Gaza time (GMT+2), the designated time for the ceasefire to begin.
Many people were seen taking photos with their mobile phones, clapping, and hugging each other in celebration. However, just 30 minutes later, footage revealed a thick plume of grey smoke rising from northeastern Gaza.
15 months of Israeli carnage end, for now
The Israeli genocide has caused widespread devastation, leaving tens of thousands dead, injured, or missing and displacing millions of residents. The entire population of the Gaza Strip is looking forward to the implementation of the deal and for "Israel's" hostilities to cease.
In the agreement’s initial six-week phase, 33 captives held in Gaza will be released in exchange for 737 Palestinian detainees, according to the Israeli Ministry of Justice.
Negotiations for the second phase, aimed at achieving a "definitive end to the war," will take place concurrently, Qatari Prime Minister Muhammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced earlier.
US President Joe Biden clarified that the second phase would focus on freeing the remaining Israeli captives. The final phase is expected to center on rebuilding Gaza and returning the remains of Israeli prisoners who died in captivity.
People came out in droves to celebrate the ceasefire in Gaza this morning, and Hamas' al-Qassam Brigades joined the celebrations in military convoys.
In the war-ravaged Gaza Strip, forcibly displaced residents are eager to return home. However, the Israeli occupation forces had warned "Gazans not to approach areas where troops remain when the ceasefire begins."
“We urge you not to head toward the buffer zone or IDF forces for your safety,” military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on Telegram.
“At this stage, heading toward the buffer zone or moving from south to north via Gaza Valley puts you at risk. Anyone heading toward these areas endangers themselves,” he added.
