Qatar says Israel-Hamas truce, hostage release to begin Friday

A four-day pause in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza is scheduled to commence on Friday morning, followed by the exchange of hostages and prisoners, according to Qatar. The ceasefire, initially set for Thursday, faced a brief delay due to a last-minute issue. “The pause will begin at 7:00 am (0500 GMT) on Friday… and the first batch of civilian hostages will be handed over at approximately 4:00 pm (1400 GMT),” Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said Thursday, reported AFP. The initial batch, comprising thirteen individuals, primarily women and children from the same families, will be freed. Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails would also be released on Friday, he said, adding a list of inmate names had been approved, without saying how many. To ensure a safe environment for the hostage release, Ansari mentioned a period during which the skies would be clear of drones. Israel and Hamas, engaged in conflict since October 7, announced a deal on Wednesday, allowing the release of at least 50 hostages and numerous Palestinian prisoners during the four-day ceasefire. The spokesperson indicated that each day within the four-day period would witness the release of civilians, totaling 50, and information would be collected to explore the potential for additional releases, potentially extending the ceasefire. Ansari emphasised that the pause involves “a complete ceasefire” with no air or ground attacks, expressing hope for no violations. The ceasefire deal is to take effect in stages that can be extended and broadened. It is also intended to provide aid to Gaza’s 2.4 million residents. The Israeli prime minister’s office said Thursday authorities were in contact with the families of all the hostages being held in Gaza after receiving “a first list of names”. It did not immediately specify who was on the list. With inputs from agencies