Hamas Misses Hostage Deadline; IDF Strikes Continue

The planned ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, set to begin at 8:30 a.m. today, has been delayed as Hamas failed to provide the names of three hostages scheduled for release, according to Israeli officials. The delay has prompted continued Israeli strikes on Gaza, IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari announced in a press conference.

“Hamas is not fulfilling its obligations and has not given Israel the names of the hostages,” Hagari said. “Per the directive of the prime minister, the ceasefire will not take effect as long as Hamas is not fulfilling its obligations. The IDF is continuing to strike in Gaza.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier emphasized that the ceasefire, which forms part of a hostage-exchange agreement, would not proceed until Hamas met its terms. Under the deal, Hamas was required to submit the names of the three female hostages at least 24 hours before their planned release at 4:30 p.m. today. Despite the deadline, Hamas has yet to confirm which of the 97 hostages in Gaza are slated for release, attributing the delay to “technical reasons.”

The delay has sparked continued military action and heightened tensions, as demonstrators gathered outside the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv to call for progress in the ceasefire agreement. The IDF’s continued operations and the impasse underscore the fragility of the hostage deal and the ongoing volatility in the region.

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