Netanyahu’s Stipulation: Cease-Fire in Gaza Hinges on Hostage List

Gaza Cease-Fire Update: Israel Awaits Hostage Details from Netanyahu

On January 19, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the planned ceasefire in Gaza would not commence until Israel received a complete list of hostages to be released by Hamas. This decision led to a delay in the ceasefire’s implementation, which was initially scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. local time.

Hamas had previously agreed to release 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. However, the release was contingent upon the provision of a detailed list of the hostages to be freed. The delay in receiving this list prompted Netanyahu to order the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to continue military operations in Gaza until the list was provided.

Shortly before 10 a.m. local time, Hamas delivered the names of the captives to be released. Following this, the IDF ceased its military operations, and the ceasefire officially began. The first phase of the hostage exchange commenced with the release of three female hostages by Hamas.

The ceasefire agreement, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, outlines a 42-day halt in fighting, during which 33 Israeli hostages are to be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The deal also includes a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.