Tensions rise in southern Israel as sirens blare just over 15 minutes into the four-day ceasefire with Hamas. The agreement includes conditions for Israel’s military actions and the release of hostages, but reports suggest potential violations by Hamas before the ceasefire even began.
Sirens were activated in Kissufim and Ein Hashlosha in southern Israel at 7:16 am on Friday, just slightly more than 15 minutes after the four-day ceasefire between Israel and the Hamas group in the Gaza Strip came into effect. The ceasefire began at 7 am as part of an agreement aimed at releasing 50 of the numerous hostages held by Hamas in Gaza since October 7. It seems that the ceasefire has already been violated by Hamas or other militants in the Gaza Strip.
During the four-day ceasefire, Israel has committed to abstain from continuing its offensive against Hamas and conducting aerial surveillance of Hamas’ military activity for six hours every day. Additionally, Israel has agreed to release approximately 150 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages.
Overnight, in the hours preceding the ceasefire’s commencement, there were widespread reports of IDF attacks in the Gaza Strip. Furthermore, around 4:30 a.m., sirens were heard in communities near the Gaza border after more than 13 hours without any sirens. Sirens were also reported about 15 minutes before the ceasefire came into effect.
