Israeli hostages to be released in the first phase of the deal
The planned ceasefire, which was to begin on Sunday at 8:30 am, was postponed because Hamas did not hand over the list of hostages to be released. The first three hostages are to be released in the afternoon, no earlier than 16:00 local time, Ynet reports.
Prime Minister’s instructions and IDF actions
The Office of the Prime Minister of Israel said that the government is in contact with the mediators to ensure that the terms of the agreement are met. “The prime minister has instructed the IDF not to begin a ceasefire until a list of hostages’ names is received,” the statement said.
The Israeli army spokesman confirmed that military operations in the Gaza Strip will continue until Hamas fulfils its obligations.
Release of bodies of Israeli soldiers
On Sunday morning, the IDF announced the successful recovery from Gaza of the remains of Israeli soldier Oron Shaul, who was killed during the 2014 war. According to the army, special forces found the body and were able to return it to Israel.
The remains of another soldier, Khadar Goldin, also killed in 2014, remain in Gaza. Both were presumed dead and their whereabouts unknown.
