Gaza ceasefire begins after Hamas releases list of hostages to be freed

By Nectar Gan, Alex Stambaugh, Lucas Lilieholm, Antoinette Radford and Eve Brennan, Jan 19: The ceasefire in Gaza is now in effect, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

The truce began at 11:15 a.m. (4:15 a.m. ET). It was delayed by almost three hours after Hamas said there was a “technical” delay in delivering the names of three hostages due to be released to Israel on Sunday.

Israeli strikes after the originally planned ceasefire start time of 8:30 a.m. (1:30 a.m. ET) killed at least 13 Palestinians and wounded 30, according to hospital and civil defence officials.

Israel has received the list of hostages set for release by Hamas on Sunday, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

“The security establishment is currently reviewing the details,” the statement said, adding that the families of the hostages have been notified by the Israeli military.

Hamas publishes names of three hostages set to be released Sunday

Hamas has released the names of three Israeli hostages set to be released on Sunday, according to a statement by Hamas armed wing spokesman Abu Obaida.

In a separate statement, Hamas said it handed the names of three female Israeli hostages set for release on Sunday to mediators.

Israel said earlier that the planned ceasefire wouldn’t go into effect until Hamas provides the names of hostages it will release on Sunday.