• The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will commence on Sunday at 8:30 AM local time, marking a significant reduction in 15 months of conflict.
• Under the agreement, 33 hostages are to be released by Hamas, while approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners will be freed by Israel.
• Despite the ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes continued on Saturday, causing further casualties ahead of the truce.
• Humanitarian aid is expected to increase significantly upon the ceasefire's implementation, with hundreds of trucks prepared for entry into Gaza.
• The first phase of the ceasefire will last for six weeks, focusing on specific prisoner exchanges and a rollback of military operations.

As of Sunday morning, the long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is set to begin following months of intense diplomatic negotiations involving key mediators like Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. According to Qatar's foreign ministry, the ceasefire will take effect at 8:30 AM local time (0630 GMT). This agreement aims to pause the deadliest conflict in recent history, which has claimed over 46,000 Palestinian lives and around 1,200 Israeli lives since it reignited after Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023.

Inevitably, tension surrounding the ceasefire remains high, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning that military action could resume if the deal is not respected. Just hours before the ceasefire's commencement, Netanyahu expressed that Israel would not tolerate violations of the agreement, indicating a fragile trust between both parties. As a condition for the ceasefire, Hamas is required to provide a list of hostages they plan to release, which has stirred uncertainties regarding compliance.

The planned exchange includes the release of 33 hostages held by Hamas, mainly women, children, and elderly individuals, while Israel will free around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners detained in its jails. Among those expected to be released are individuals accused of severe offenses, including murder. The exchange is set to unfold in phases, with the first three hostages scheduled for release Sunday afternoon, followed by further exchanges in subsequent weeks.

Humanitarian aid efforts are anticipated to surge following the ceasefire’s activation, as hundreds of trucks carrying essential supplies are lined up at the Egyptian border, aiming to alleviate the dire humanitarian crisis affecting Gaza's residents. Locally, the need for humanitarian aid is pressing, with hospitals strained and basic necessities in critically short supply.

While optimism grows for a resolution, the long-term outcomes of the ceasefire remain uncertain. Previous peace attempts have faltered, and skepticism about whether or not this pause will lead to a lasting peace has cast a shadow over the latest efforts. The fear of resuming hostilities hangs heavily, with many families eagerly anticipating the safe return of their loved ones held captive in Gaza.

In light of these developments, both Israel and Hamas will need to navigate these complexities judiciously if they hope to smooth the path toward stability. As more details emerge, the international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough in achieving lasting peace in the region.

For ongoing updates, visit VOA News, Independent, or BBC.