Six week Israel-Hamas ceasefire takes effect after tense delay

The ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas began on Sunday after a short delay.

The armistice was delayed by three hours, due to what Hamas claimed were technical reasons. Israel carried out airstrikes over the period, with Palestinian Civil Defense spokesman Mahmoud Basal claiming that 19 Gazans were killed over this period. At around 10:30 a.m. local time, Hamas released the names of the three Israeli hostages it planned to release later on Sunday, fulfilling the final requirement and putting the ceasefire into effect.