Gaza ceasefire planned Sunday amid ongoing violence

Ceasefire in Gaza set for Sunday, despite last-minute negotiations, as violence continues and victims mourn intensified attacks.

The Gaza Strip ceasefire is set to commence on Sunday, confirmed by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, despite last-minute negotiations.

Israel’s cabinet has postponed ratifying the ceasefire, attributing the delay to Hamas. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have intensified, leading to at least 77 reported fatalities since the announcement of the truce.

Hamas official Izzat el-Reshiq affirmed the group’s commitment to the ceasefire, which aims to halt 15 months of violence. Blinken acknowledged the complexities of the negotiation process, noting the resolution of ongoing issues.

A U.S. official revealed that the primary remaining contention concerns the identities of certain prisoners that Hamas demands be freed. U.S. envoys are in Doha with Egyptian and Qatari mediators to address this issue.

In Gaza, the announcement of the truce has been marred by grief and anger due to continued bombardments. Tamer Abu Shaaban mourned the loss of his young niece, who was killed by shrapnel while sheltering with family.

The ceasefire agreement, reached with the help of Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., seeks to end the war sparked by Hamas’s attacks on Israel. It proposes an initial six-week ceasefire coupled with the withdrawal of Israeli forces. In exchange for the release of hostages taken by Hamas, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be freed.