Qatar says Gaza ceasefire will begin Friday, aid to follow 'as soon as possible'

A four-day cease-fire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas was set to begin on Friday (November 24) morning, Qatar said after a daylong delay extended the agony for those hoping for some relief from the deal, which is to bring the release of dozens of hostages held by militants and Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

The diplomatic breakthrough promised some relief for the 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza who have endured weeks of Israeli bombardment, as well as families in Israel fearful for the fate of their loved ones taken captive during Hamas' October 7 attack that triggered the war.

The ceasefire was originally set to begin on Thursday morning, but it appeared to hit a snag the night before when Israel's national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, announced a one-day delay without providing a reason.

Ceasefire to start at 7 am

On Thursday, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari announced the ceasefire will start at 7 am local time Friday (5 am GMT).

He said the two sides had exchanged lists of those to be released, and the first group of 13 women and children held by Hamas would be freed by Friday afternoon. He did not say how many Palestinian prisoners would be freed, but officials have said three would be freed for every hostage. Increased aid for Palestinians will start to enter Gaza “as soon as possible,” al-Ansari said. The hope is that the “momentum” from this deal will lead to an “end to this violence," he told reporters.

(With inputs from agencies)