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Qatar Announces Ceasefire Delay, Hostage Release Plan
The anticipated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, set to commence on Friday morning, has been postponed. Qatari authorities have announced a new start time - Friday's morning hours. Moreover, Hamas plans to release a group of 13 women and children in the afternoon.
Hamas has confirmed the ceasefire commencement, which will officially begin at 7:00 am local time (6:00 am CET). The armed wing of Hamas, Essedin al-Qassam Brigades, revealed that Israeli prisoners will be part of the deal, with 50 hostages – women, children, and young adults - to be freed during the ceasefire period.
On Thursday, Israeli leaders approved the agreement with Hamas, emphasizing the release of 150 Palestinian women and minors in Israeli detention centers in exchange for the 50 hostages. The initial plan was for the ceasefire to initiate on Thursday, but Israel's National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi stated that hostage releases would not begin until Friday.
The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, regarded as a terrorist organization by the USA and EU, has resulted in substantial casualties, with around 1,200 people lost in Israel and studies by Hamas alleging over 5,800 children killed in the Gaza Strip since October 2022.
After seven weeks of contention, Israel responded with aerial and ground attacks on Gaza despite Hamas claiming over 14,000 fatalities, including over 5,800 children, in the Gaza Strip since the initial attack.
Key Insights
The current status of the ceasefire negotiations is finding its way through several challenges, including logistical difficulties and violations from both sides. As of February 14, 16 out of 33 hostages have been released, including three men on February 8 and three more on February 14.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have threatened to withdraw from the agreement if Hamas does not release the remaining hostages by Saturday, February 15. A plan involving the gradual release of 33 hostages in six weeks is expected to continue, culminating in the final week with the release of all hostages.
Egyptian and Qatari mediators are actively working to resolve logistical issues, ensuring the agreement’s implementation and addressing potential gaps in the agreement. While the process remains challenging, both sides remain committed to resolving this humanitarian crisis as per the signed agreement.
