Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday morning, January 19 told the Israeli Defense Forces that the cease-fire agreement with Hamas will not begin on Sunday as agreed unless Hamas puts out the names of Israeli hostages to be released.
Netanyahu said as Hamas has not yet given the names of the hostages, the IDF will continue to operate, as it is still striking inside Gaza.
At least eight Gazans have been killed in IDF strikes since the cease-fire was set to begin, according to a Hamas-run agency.
"As of this morning, Hamas has not fulfilled its obligation, and contrary to the agreement, has not provided the State of Israel with the names of the returning female hostages up to this time. The ceasefire will not come into effect as long as Hamas does not fulfill its obligations," IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said.
Hamas has said it will not release the remaining hostages without a lasting cease-fire and a full Israeli withdrawal. This is the second cease-fire deal achieved during the war.
Gaza is expected to receive a surge in humanitarian aid when the cease-fire begins.
The 15-month-long war in Gaza started when Hamas launched a surprise attack against Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, in which roughly 1,200 people were killed and about 250 others were abducted, prompting military retaliation from Israeli forces. Nearly 100 hostages remain captive in Gaza.
More than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel's offensive, according to the Hamas-run government's local health officials, who do not distinguish between civilians and terrorists.

