Netanyahu Demands Hostage List Before Gaza Ceasefire Begins

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In a significant development just hours before the anticipated start of a ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel would not proceed with the ceasefire agreement until a list of hostages to be released by Hamas is provided. Netanyahu emphasized that "we will be unable to move forward with the framework until we receive the list," underscoring Israel's stance against any violations of the accord.

The ceasefire, agreed upon by mediators Qatar, the United States, and Egypt, is set to take effect on Sunday morning following a vote by Israel's cabinet to approve the truce deal. Despite the agreement, Israeli military operations in Gaza continued, with recent reports indicating civilian casualties from airstrikes in southern Gaza.

Israeli authorities reported that, in the most recent escalation of hostilities, five family members were killed by a strike in Khan Yunis. The ongoing war, which began after Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant loss of life, with Israeli officials reporting 1,210 deaths, primarily among civilians. In contrast, Hamas has stated that the conflict has claimed 46,899 lives in Gaza, mostly civilians.

As part of the ceasefire arrangement, an initial 42-day truce will see 33 hostages released, while Israel will free 737 Palestinian prisoners in stages, commencing after the ceasefire officially begins. This complex agreement follows a previous ceasefire in November 2023 that lasted a week.

The situation remains critically tense, with both sides prepared to respond based on compliance with the newly established terms.

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