Despite Intermittent Attacks, ceasefire commences in Israel-Hamas conflict with hostage release
Gaza experienced a four-day truce on Friday, mediated by Qatar and Egypt and resulting from negotiations involving Israel, Hamas, and the U.S.
Humanitarian aid, including 2 ambulances and 85 aid trucks carrying food, water, and medical supplies, are entering Gaza from the Rafah crossing, as confirmed by the Palestinian Red Cross.
Despite the ceasefire, Israeli forces continued attacks in the West Bank. IDF tanks blocked the Salah al-Din road in central Gaza to impede displaced Palestinians from returning home, leading to confrontations and injuries.
The first exchange of Israeli hostages with Palestinian prisoners is scheduled this afternoon at Egypt's Rafah crossing. Thirteen of the 50 Israeli hostages will be handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross, with subsequent releases of Palestinian prisoners.
A total of 240 people were abducted during last month's Hamas attacks on Israel.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant stated that the war is not over, and Israel's army will continue the battle against Hamas for at least two more months. The priority is to eliminate the political and military leaders of Hamas.
