Gaza ceasefire takes effect as Hamas frees first three hostages

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect at 11:15 a.m. local time on January 19, almost three hours late because of a dispute over the list of hostages to be freed on the first day. In the afternoon Hamas handed three Israeli hostages to the Red Cross: Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher.

For the first group of hostages Israel is due to release 90 Palestinian prisoners, mostly women and minors. In the first phase, lasting 42 days, Hamas is to free 33 hostages and Israel about 1,900 prisoners, with Israeli forces withdrawing from populated areas of Gaza and 600 aid trucks entering daily.

Talks on the second phase

The agreement was reached on January 15 in Doha after months of talks mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the US. Negotiations on the second phase, which is meant to bring a permanent ceasefire and full withdrawal, are to begin on day 16 of the truce.