The much awaited ceasefire in Gaza is now underway, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement on Sunday.
The truce which began at about 11:15am was delayed by almost three hours after Israel insisted Hamas must provide the list of hostages to be released.
Hamas had blamed the delay in delivering the names of three hostages to be released to Israel on technical issues.
While confirming receipt of the list, Israeli said “The security establishment is currently reviewing the details,” the statement said, adding that the families of the hostages have been notified by the Israeli military.
Thirty-three Israeli hostages are expected to be freed in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in the first phase of the planned deal. Aid is also expected to be ramped up, with trucks lining up at the border ahead of the deal.
