Qatar Mediates Ceasefire Between Hamas and Israel Amid Ongoing Hostage Crisis
Ceasefire to commence on Sunday, involving the exchange of prisoners and hostages.
David Lammy, the UK's Foreign Secretary, has recognized the efforts of the Qatari Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, in brokering a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel.
This agreement is scheduled to take effect at 8:30 AM local time (6:30 AM GMT) on Sunday.
The ceasefire aims to pause the ongoing conflict in Gaza, involving the release of dozens of hostages and Palestinian detainees over the coming weeks.
The ceasefire deal, approved by Israel's cabinet early on Saturday, is a result of extensive negotiations held in Qatar.
This development marks a potential reduction in the hostilities, which have persisted for 15 months.
The agreement stipulates that Hamas will release 33 hostages over a six-week period in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinians held by Israel.
On the first day of the ceasefire, Hamas has committed to freeing three female hostages, followed by the release of four hostages on the seventh day, with the remaining 26 to be released over the subsequent five weeks.
As part of the agreement, Israel's justice ministry has announced a list of over 700 Palestinian prisoners who are to be freed in the initial phase of the deal, with releases set to commence no earlier than 4 PM local time on Sunday.
This diplomatic development comes amid concerns from families of hostages, including British-Israeli citizens.
One such hostage is Emily Damari, 28, who was taken on October 7, 2023, and has been held for 469 days.
Showing solidarity, supporters of Arsenal and Tottenham football teams united at a North London derby on Wednesday, expressing hopes for her safe return.
Additionally, the London-based group Stop The Hate has been advocating for the hostages' release and shared supportive footage on social media.
This agreement is scheduled to take effect at 8:30 AM local time (6:30 AM GMT) on Sunday.
The ceasefire aims to pause the ongoing conflict in Gaza, involving the release of dozens of hostages and Palestinian detainees over the coming weeks.
The ceasefire deal, approved by Israel's cabinet early on Saturday, is a result of extensive negotiations held in Qatar.
This development marks a potential reduction in the hostilities, which have persisted for 15 months.
The agreement stipulates that Hamas will release 33 hostages over a six-week period in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinians held by Israel.
On the first day of the ceasefire, Hamas has committed to freeing three female hostages, followed by the release of four hostages on the seventh day, with the remaining 26 to be released over the subsequent five weeks.
As part of the agreement, Israel's justice ministry has announced a list of over 700 Palestinian prisoners who are to be freed in the initial phase of the deal, with releases set to commence no earlier than 4 PM local time on Sunday.
This diplomatic development comes amid concerns from families of hostages, including British-Israeli citizens.
One such hostage is Emily Damari, 28, who was taken on October 7, 2023, and has been held for 469 days.
Showing solidarity, supporters of Arsenal and Tottenham football teams united at a North London derby on Wednesday, expressing hopes for her safe return.
Additionally, the London-based group Stop The Hate has been advocating for the hostages' release and shared supportive footage on social media.
