Due to Hamas’s failure to provide the names of the hostages expected to be released today (Sunday), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a delay in the ceasefire, which was scheduled to take effect at 8:30 AM. Despite its agreement, Hamas has not delivered the list, which was due by 4:30 PM yesterday. As of this morning, Israel has still not received the names. In an official statement, Hamas attributed the delay to “technical issues on the ground” and reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire agreement.
“The IDF Continues Striking Gaza”
IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Daniel Hagari stated this morning: “Contrary to the agreement, the names of the returning hostages have not yet been provided. Under the prime minister’s instructions, the ceasefire will not take effect until Hamas fulfills its obligations. The IDF is still striking targets in Gaza as Hamas continues to violate its commitments.”
Israel is working with mediators and other channels to ensure the agreement moves forward.
In recent hours, the IDF has continued to strike terror targets in Gaza, including artillery fire and airstrikes on several targets in northern and central Gaza.
Operation “Wings of Freedom”: Preparing for Hostage Arrivals
Later today, after 4:00 PM, three hostages are expected to be released. Upon their arrival in Israel, 90 prisoners will be released from Israeli jails as part of the agreement. However, as of now, Hamas has not provided the names of the three women set to be freed.
The first phase of the deal, lasting 42 days, will include the release of 33 hostages, categorized as “humanitarian cases,” including women, children, elderly men over 50, and individuals who are ill or injured but not soldiers. The deal also covers the return of long-term captives Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, who have been held in Gaza for over a decade.
The IDF has established three reception points at Re’im, Kerem Shalom, and Erez, where the hostages will undergo initial medical checks and receive mental health support. They will then be transferred to hospitals, including Ichilov, Sheba, Beilinson, Shamir, Barzilai, and Soroka, where designated care units have been set up for them.
Defense Preparations Amid Ceasefire Deal: “The forces are preparing along clear defensive lines.”
Under the terms of the agreement, the IDF will maintain control of the buffer zone along the Gaza border but will gradually withdraw from populated areas in the Strip. The redeployment along the Philadelphi Route is planned to change during the initial stage, with a full withdrawal expected by Day 50, provided hostilities do not resume. Despite Hamas’s demands, Israel retains the right to resume combat if necessary.
The IDF has outlined a new defense strategy to fortify its presence along the Gaza border, keeping troops stationed along clear defensive lines. According to the agreement, residents will not be permitted to return to areas where IDF forces operate or near the Israeli border.
The IDF stated: “The army is preparing along clear defensive lines and is ready to eliminate any threats. Any attack on our forces will be met with an aggressive response.”
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said last night:
“In the coming days, the IDF will implement a reinforced defense plan along the Gaza border that has been preplanned. This strategy combines defensive and offensive measures. In our commitment to the Israeli public—one we failed to uphold on October 7—we are determined to stand firm and ensure that a horrific, brutal, and terrible event never happens again. Our combat operations have already created a new reality on the ground.”
