A ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict is set to begin on Sunday at 6.30 GMT, marking a pivotal pause in the hostilities that have lasted for over 15 months. The deal, brokered by mediators from Qatar, the United States, and Egypt, outlines the exchange of hostages and prisoners as a first step towards easing tensions. Under the agreement, three Israeli hostages are to be released initially in return for a group of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
If the ceasefire proceeds as planned, a total of 33 hostages, taken during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, will be returned to Israel during the first 42 days of the truce. In exchange, Israel will release hundreds…