Gaza ceasefire enters into effect and first hostages are released

The first phase of the Gaza ceasefire entered into effect on 19 January 2025 after a delay over the list of hostages scheduled for release. Hamas released three Israeli women later that day, and Israel released the first group of Palestinian prisoners under the exchange.

Major military operations paused, Israeli forces began redeploying from defined areas and displaced Palestinians moved toward damaged communities. Humanitarian deliveries increased, although aid agencies warned that needs for food, shelter, water and medical care remained immense.

The agreement provided a six-week initial stage with scheduled releases and negotiations on a permanent cessation. Implementation on the first day did not guarantee completion of later phases. Each alleged violation required evidence about timing and terms rather than immediate declaration that the entire ceasefire had collapsed.

Hostages and prisoners had individual identities and circumstances that should not be reduced to totals. Release from captivity also did not resolve trauma, missing-person cases or legal disputes. Civilians returning to areas with rubble and unexploded ordnance continued to face risk.

Mediator announcements and verified releases establish the start. This item is distinct from the 15 January agreement and later resumption of large-scale strikes in March. It records a period of implemented restraint and exchange without misrepresenting it as a comprehensive peace or permanent end to the war.

The first releases supplied concrete evidence that the agreement had moved beyond diplomacy into execution. They did not confirm the safety or condition of every remaining hostage, whose names and status continued to require verification through the agreed schedule.