Ceasefire in Gaza set to start this morning

A four-day ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas is due begin this morning, a day later than originally announced, after negotiators worked out the final details of the deal, which will lead to the release of dozens of hostages held by militants as well as Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

- Jason Burke

The diplomatic breakthrough promises the first pause in seven weeks of war in Gaza and some relief both for the 2.3 million Palestinians who have endured intensive Israeli bombardment, and for families in Israel fearful for loved ones taken captive during the bloody attack by Hamas that triggered the conflict.

The exchange of female and child hostages and prisoners had been due to take place yesterday but was postponed as last-minute logistical issues were worked out during 24 hours of frantic diplomacy.

Sources close to the negotiations said Israel had presented a series of late requests for clarification of practical issues, and demanded full identification of the hostages Hamas intended to release.

Communication between the parties has to pass from Israeli officials to Qatar, then to Hamas leaders outside Gaza and finally to those inside the territory, slowing resolution of outstanding issues, the sources said.

Yesterday, Majed al-Ansari, the spokesperson for the foreign ministry of Qatar, announced the ceasefire would start at 7am local time today (0500 GMT). He said the two sides had exchanged lists of those to be released, and the first group of hostages held by Hamas - 13 women and children - would be freed this afternoon. Increased aid for Palestinians would start to enter "as soon as possible", Ansari said.

The senior Israeli official in charge of arrangements for the hostage release, Brig Gen Gal Hirsch, confirmed Israel had received a list of the names of the hostages to be freed.

"Liaison officers have informed all of those families whose loved ones appear on the list, as well as all of the hostages' families," Hirsch said.