Israel continues attacks in Gaza as ceasefire delayed

Israel continued its attacks on the Gaza Strip on Sunday, as a ceasefire due to come into effect in the morning was delayed over a dispute over the identity of the first hostages to be released under the deal.

The Israeli military continued “to operate and strike terrorist targets in Gaza,” it posted on X on Sunday morning, shortly after announcing the delay.

A ceasefire was initially set to go into effect at 8:30 am (0630 GMT) to facilitate an initial six-week pause in fighting, as well as the release of Israeli hostages in exchange of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

But Israel says Palestinian extremist group Hamas has failed to provide the names of the three hostages set to be released today, as stipulated by the agreement, announcing that attacks on Gaza would continue until the militants adhere to the deal.

Regardless, people in Gaza took to the streets at 8:30 am to celebrate, according to images broadcast by Al Jazeera.