Novinky.cz

World

The cease-fire in Gaza has come into force. Hamas is to release three women from captivity this afternoon

The spokesman of the Israeli Armed Forces (IDF) Daniel Hagari, according to the Times of Israel, said at a press conference on Sunday morning that the army continues to strike the Gaza Strip.

“As of this morning, Hamas has not fulfilled its obligations and, contrary to the agreement, has not given Israel the names of the hostages (to be released today),” Hagari said.

“According to the Prime Minister’s directive, the ceasefire will not come into force until Hamas fulfills its obligations. The IDF is now continuing its strikes in Gaza until Hamas fulfills its obligations under the agreement,” Hagari added.

A few hours after the non-compliance with the agreement, Hamas announced the handing over of the list of hostages. “As part of the prisoner exchange agreement, we decided today to release Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31,” said Kasam Abu Ubajda, a spokesman for Hamas’ armed wing, according to the Times of Israel.

The three women were taken hostage on October 7, 2023 during a Hamas attack that killed approximately 1,200 people and abducted 251 to Gaza. Gonen was abducted from the Nova festival, while Damari and Steinbrecher, who are also UK citizens, were abducted from their homes in Kibbutz Kfar Aza.

“I’m afraid she’s dead.” Mother spoke about daughter held captive by terrorist Hamas

Foreign

Artillery and drone strikes

The Israeli army reported after eight o’clock CET that it had carried out artillery shelling and several drone attacks. “A short time ago, IDF artillery and aircraft hit a number of terrorist targets in northern and central Gaza. The IDF remains ready in both attack and defense and will not allow the citizens of Israel to be harmed,” she said in a statement on the X network.

Eight people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the Israeli army announced that it would continue its strikes. The Times of Israel reports this with reference to the Hamas-led agency.

The newspaper further informs that armed members of Hamas can be seen in the streets of Rafah “promenading” in cars and with weapons in their hands.

The truce was supposed to take effect at 8:30 local time (7:30 CET), but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in the morning that it would not be implemented if the terrorist group did not comply with the agreed terms and did not release the names of the three detained women.

According to the terms of the agreement, Hamas was to provide the names of the hostages at least 24 hours before their release. This should have happened around 16:30 local time (17:30 CET).

The terrorist group claims that the delay in handing over the names is due to “technical reasons”, writes the Times of Israel.

Netanyahu: If we have to return to the fight, we will do it again and forcefully

Near and Middle East