Gaza Ceasefire Updates: Three hostages cross into Israeli territory, IDF confirms

A Hamas official has confirmed that the next Gaza hostage-prisoner swap is scheduled to take place on Saturday.

President Joe Biden expressed his support for the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, stating that it marks a significant transformation in the region. He noted that after enduring so much pain, death, and loss, the guns in Gaza have finally gone silent.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the commencement of the ceasefire in Gaza and the release of captives, expressing the UN's readiness to support its implementation. He also emphasized the organization’s commitment to increasing humanitarian aid for the numerous Palestinians still enduring hardship.

Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida has expressed the group's commitment to upholding the ceasefire agreement, stressing that its success depends on Israel’s willingness to honor the deal. He also called on mediators to ensure that Israel adheres to the terms of the ceasefire.

The IDF has confirmed that the three hostages released by Hamas on Sunday evening are Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher. These names align with earlier reports about the hostages scheduled for release.

US President-elect Donald Trump expressed his joy over the release of three hostages by Hamas today. On Truth Social, he wrote, "Hostages starting to come out today! Three wonderful young women will be first." The hostages, Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher, were handed over by Hamas to the Red Cross before being transferred to Israeli forces in Gaza.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the three hostages have now entered Israeli territory.

In a statement, the IDF said, "A short while ago, with the support of IDF and ISA forces, the released hostages crossed the border into Israeli territory."

The hostages are now en route to a reception point in southern Israel, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment.

President Joe Biden is currently speaking about the ceasefire agreement, highlighting its significance. “I’ve worked in foreign policy for decades, and this is one of the toughest negotiations I’ve been part of,” Biden said.  He further stated, “The region has been fundamentally altered. Hamas’s long-time leader, Yahya Sinwar, is dead. Hamas’s supporters in the Middle East have been severely weakened by Israel, with the support of the United States. Hezbollah, one of Hamas’s major backers, has also been significantly diminished on the battlefield with the destruction of its leadership…”

Israeli forces have successfully received the three female hostages—Doron Steinbrecher (31), Emily Damari (28), and Romi Gonen (24)—who are the first to return as part of the ceasefire deal, which is set to last 42 days. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the hostages are being escorted by an elite IDF unit and Shin Bet security forces back to Israel for medical evaluation. The first stage of the deal will see a total of 33 hostages returned, along with the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Later today, 90 Palestinian prisoners are expected to be freed in exchange.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged on Sunday that the current momentum from the Gaza ceasefire should be utilized to push for the creation of a Palestinian state that can peacefully coexist with Israel. He expressed on the social media platform X that Gaza’s population had endured immense suffering over the past 15 months of conflict.

The Israeli military confirmed that the Red Cross had handed over three hostages on Sunday as part of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The Red Cross informed that the hostages are now en route to Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) forces in Gaza.

A Hamas official confirmed to Reuters on Sunday that the process of handing over three Israeli female hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is currently underway.

As Israel gets ready to welcome three hostages who have been held captive in Gaza for 15 months, the military has requested the mothers of these hostages to gather at a meeting point near a base close to the Gaza border. The mothers will accompany their daughters to the hospital after their release.

US President-elect Donald Trump's incoming national security adviser, Mike Waltz, stated that Hamas will never govern Gaza. He emphasized that if Hamas fails to uphold the Gaza ceasefire agreement, the United States will back Israel in taking necessary actions. Waltz described Hamas's governance of Gaza as "completely unacceptable."

The Palestinian prisoners scheduled for release are all from the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, according to preliminary reports. The list includes 69 women and 21 children.

The three Israeli captives who are being released under the deal have now been handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza.

A team from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is enroute to Gaza to collect Israeli hostages from Hamas, according to an official involved in the operation.

Gaza Ceasefire Live: Israeli officials prepared to receive hostages

UP Minister AK Sharma stated that he met with officials and those responsible for Gita Press, confirming that three cylinders exploded, causing the fire to spread. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes. Despite nearly 100 people being present at the camp, he expressed gratitude that, with the blessings of Ma Ganga, there were no casualties.

Mumbai court on Sunday ordered a 5-day police remand for Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, the man arrested in the Saif Ali Khan attack case. The prosecution suggested that an international conspiracy could be involved, and police sought to investigate further, including recovering evidence and understanding the motive. Shehzad, a Bangladeshi national residing illegally in India, is accused of attacking Khan in a botched robbery attempt. The court approved the police's request for custody, acknowledging the seriousness of the case and the need for further investigation.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the far-right Religious Zionist Party, has called for Israel to occupy the Gaza Strip and establish a military government, warning he would seek to overthrow the government if this does not happen. Israel “must occupy Gaza and create a temporary military government because there is no other way to defeat Hamas,” he was quoted as having told Israel’s Army Radio. “I will overthrow the government if it does not return to fighting in a way that [leads to us] taking over the entire Gaza Strip and governing it,” he said, adding that Israel would provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza in that scenario. Smotrich has called the Gaza ceasefire agreement a “very serious mistake” and “surrender to Hamas”.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak confirmed that government officials and health department teams are on-site at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj following the fire incident in Sector 19. He assured that all necessary assistance is being provided to saints and devotees, and the situation is fully under control, with the government closely monitoring the incident.

Maha Kumbh 2025 Live: UP CM reaches at cylinder blast site to take cognizance

The UK government has expressed its support for the expected release of British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari, who was named as one of the three women to be freed on Sunday under a ceasefire agreement. "The UK government welcomes the reports that British national Emily Damari is on the list of hostages to be released by Hamas today. We stand ready to support her upon her release," the foreign office said in a statement.

A fire broke out at 4:30 pm in Sector 19 at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, starting in the Gita Press tent and spreading to 10 nearby tents. District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar confirmed that police and administration teams responded quickly, and the fire was extinguished. No casualties have been reported, and the situation is under control.

A cylinder blast triggered a large fire at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken note of the incident, with fire tenders at the scene working to control the blaze. Senior officers are also present, following the CM's instructions.

Hamas announced on Sunday that it is awaiting a list of 90 Palestinian prisoners to be released by Israel as part of a hostage-prisoner exchange on the first day of the Gaza ceasefire. "The occupation is expected to hand over shortly a list containing the names of 90 prisoners from the categories of women and children who are set to be released on the first day of the ceasefire," Hamas said in statement, adding the truce deal stipulated "the release of 30 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for one civilian detainee".

Pope Francis called Sunday for a ceasefire in Gaza to be "immediately respected" as he thanked mediators and urged a boost in humanitarian aid as well as the return of hostages. "I hope... it will be respected immediately by the parties," Francis said at the end of the Angelus prayer, adding that he expressed "gratitude to the mediators" of the deal.

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Live: Fire breaks out at Maha Kumbh Mela

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar warned on Sunday that the Middle East would continue to face instability if Hamas stays in control of the Gaza Strip. Speaking as the ceasefire took effect, Saar emphasized that Israel was committed to achieving its war goals against Hamas, including dismantling its military and governmental structures. He stated that a permanent ceasefire would require the removal of Hamas as both a military force and ruling entity in Gaza, and suggested that such an agreement could be negotiated in the future during the first phase.

Israeli airstrikes and artillery attacks killed at least 13 Palestinians between 06:30 GMT, when the ceasefire was originally set to begin, and 09:15 GMT, when it finally took effect, according to Palestinian medics. The Israeli strikes targeted Beit Lahiya, Gaza City, and al-Bureij, with intense shelling reported in Beit Hanoun and other northern areas of Gaza. Dozens more people were injured in the attacks.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar warned on Sunday that the Middle East would continue to face instability if Hamas remains in control of the Gaza Strip  "If Hamas will stay in power, the regional instability it causes might continue," Saar said at a press conference.

Following the long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, thousands of displaced Gazans began returning to their homes on Sunday after more than 15 months of conflict

Gaza Ceasefire Live: UN Agency ready to deliver 4,000 truckloads of aid to Gaza following ceasefire

Qatar confirmed the start of a truce between Israel and Hamas on Sunday and stated that some of the three hostages to be released hold foreign citizenship. A Qatari foreign ministry spokesman, Majed Al-Ansari, confirmed that the names of the hostages had been provided to Israel, including three Israeli citizens, one of whom holds Romanian citizenship and another British citizenship. This marked the official beginning of the ceasefire.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced that three hostages held by Hamas in Gaza will be released after 1400 GMT (1600 local time) on Sunday. Additionally, four other surviving female hostages will be freed within the next seven days.

A long-awaited ceasefire in Gaza has started after a nearly three-hour delay. The truce was postponed because Hamas initially failed to provide the names of the three hostages it planned to release on Sunday. Israel had insisted on receiving the names, which Hamas's armed wing posted on social media about two hours later.

Israel's Prime Minister's Office announced that the ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza will now begin at 09:15 GMT (11:15am local time) after an hours-long delay. The statement came after Hamas named the three Israeli female captives to be freed on Sunday as Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari.

An Israeli airstrike killed at least eight people in the Gaza Strip after the ceasefire was delayed. Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis confirmed the casualties, noting that the strike occurred about two hours after the truce was supposed to begin.

An Israeli official confirmed to Reuters that the names of the hostages to be released today have been received. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had stated that the ceasefire, initially scheduled for 0630 GMT, would not begin until Israel had received the list of those set to be freed.

Gaza Ceasefire Live: Israel shares image of 33 hostages to be released in first phase of ceasefire

Hamas's military wing announced on Sunday that it would release the names of three Israeli women hostages as part of a ceasefire agreement that has not yet taken effect. The Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades stated that the women would be freed as part of a prisoner swap deal. This announcement came after Israel indicated that the truce, which was set to start at 0630 GMT, would not go ahead until Israel had received the list of those to be released.

As Israel delayed the ceasefire, Hamas named three hostages it plans to release on Sunday, potentially clearing the way for the Gaza ceasefire to begin after a delay, AP reported.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, key Netanyahu governing partner, submits his resignation in opposition to Gaza ceasefire deal, according to an AP report.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh on Sunday said, "Yesterday, you saw that the screening of a documentary was stopped. I want to ask them why is BJP compelled to ban this documentary. What is BJP scared of? We want to hold a press conference and screen a documentary but the police and Election Commission have cancelled our permission for this hall. Why are they trying to stop a press conference? I have not come here to hold an election rally, I have just come here to hold a press conference and screening of a documentary...Why is the BJP scared? The Election Commission can only ask for permission if we are doing an election campaign..."

Israel’s military struck northern and central Gaza after an expected ceasefire was delayed Sunday. The Israel Defense Forces said artillery and aircraft struck “a number of terror targets in northern and central Gaza.”

The military said earlier it would continue its strikes “as long as Hamas does not uphold its commitment to the agreement.” Hamas blamed “technical” reasons for the delay, according to a CNN report.

What will come next in Gaza remains unclear in the absence of a comprehensive agreement on the postwar future of the enclave, which will require billions of dollars and years of work to rebuild.

Hamas, which has controlled Gaza for almost two decades, has survived despite losing its top leadership and thousands of fighters.

Israel has vowed it will not allow Hamas to return to power and has cleared large stretches of ground inside Gaza, in a step widely seen as a move towards creating a buffer zone that will allow its troops to act freely against threats in the enclave, Reuters reported.

TikTok went offline in the US, after a new law banning it came into force on Sunday. The popular video-sharing app was also removed from the Google Play Store and App Store as well, The Associated Press reported.

Several screenshots of the app, which has over 170 million users in the US, shared on social media showed a message on the short-video platform stating that a law banning TikTok had been enacted, with the message, "Sorry, TikTok isn't available right now".

The ceasefire agreement followed months of on-off negotiations brokered by Egypt, Qatar and the United States, and came just ahead of the January 20 inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump.

US President Joe Biden's team worked closely with Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to push the deal over the line.

As his inauguration approached, Trump had repeated his demand that a deal be done swiftly, warning repeatedly that there would be "hell to pay" if the hostages were not released, Reuters reported.

Putting the ceasefire on a halt, for now, Israel said on Sunday that it has recovered the remains of a soldier killed in the 2014 Gaza war, hours before a ceasefire and hostage release were set to begin.

Oron Shaul was killed in the previous conflict and his remains have been held by Hamas. The bodies of Shaul and another soldier, Hadar Goldin, remained in Gaza after the 2014 war and had not been returned despite a public campaign by their families. (AP)

The Gaza ceasefire “will not begin” until Israel receives a list of hostages to be released by Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement Sunday morning, CNN reports.

“The Prime Minister instructed the IDF that the ceasefire, which was supposed to take effect at 8:30, will not begin until Israel has received the list of released hostages, which Hamas has committed to providing,” the statement read.

During the Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi also congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for achieving success in space docking.

In the 118th Episode of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said, "I would also thank the Election Commission. which from time to time has modernised our voting process and made it stronger. The Commission has used the power of technology to strengthen people's power. I congratulate the Election Commission for its commitment towards fair elections. I urge the countrymen to vote in large numbers and participate in the country's democratic processes and also strengthen the process."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during 118th Mann ki Baat, said, "Maha Kumbh has started. This celebrates unity in diversity. People from all over the world converge at Sangam. Rich or poor, all are same at Sangam. They eat together at Bhandaras. It unites from the south to the north. There has been a greater participation by youths in this Kumbh. When youths are connected to the culture, it makes the country strong. Gangasagar Mela was also organised in West Bengal. People from all over the world joined on Makar Sankranti. We celebrated the anniversary of pran pratishtha of Ram Temple. We need to keep our heritage intact while moving on the path of development."

In the 118th Episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "This Republic Day is very special. This is the 75th anniversary of the Republic of India. This year marks 75 years of the implementation of the Constitution of India. I bow to all those great personalities of the Constituent Assembly, who gave us our sacred Constitution."

Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel triggered the war and resulted in the deaths of 1,210 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Israel's retaliatory campaign since has destroyed much of Gaza, killing 46,899 people, most of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry that the United Nations considers reliable.

The Israeli army warned Gaza residents not to approach its forces or make any movement towards the buffer zone ahead of a ceasefire taking effect Sunday at 0630 GMT.

"We urge you not to head towards the buffer zone or IDF forces for your safety," military spokesman Avichay Adraee said on Telegram. "At this stage, heading towards the buffer zone or moving from south to north via Gaza Valley puts you at risk. Anyone heading towards these areas endangers themselves," he said. (AFP)

In more than 15 months of war between Hamas and Israel, there has been only one previous truce, for one week, in November 2023. That deal also saw the release of hostages held by the militants in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

In the days leading up to the ceasefire, Israel has maintained its bombardment of Gaza, killing at least 122 people and injuring 270 others since the deal was announced on Wednesday, according to Gaza’s Civil Defense, according to a CNN report.

The death toll includes 33 children and 33 women, the Civil Defense said, adding that most of the dead were killed in Gaza City.

At least 46,876 people have been killed and another 110,642 people have been injured in Gaza since October 7, 2023, according to data from Gaza’s health ministry.

Thirty-three Israeli hostages are expected to be freed in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in the first phase of the deal. Three female Israeli civilian hostages are expected to be released on Sunday, according to two US officials, CNN reported.

Of the 251 people taken hostage, 94 are still in Gaza, including 34 people, the Israeli military claims are dead. Hamas’ 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,210 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Hours before the start of a ceasefire in the Gaza war, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said they won't be able "to move forward with the framework" until they get the list of hostages who Hamas will release.

"We will be unable to move forward with the framework until we receive the list of the hostages who will be released, as was agreed. Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement. Hamas is solely responsible," Netanyahu said in a post on X in Hebrew.

Further, in a televised address, Netanyahu said Israel reserves the "right to resume war if necessary" with US support. He said he will ensure all hostages are brought back to Israel.

A ceasefire ending 15 months of war between Hamas and Israel is set to begin Sunday morning, mediator Qatar said after Israel's cabinet voted to approve the truce and hostage-prisoner release deal. The ceasefire will take place in three-stages.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is all set to depart to Davos to participate in the World Economic Forum 2025.

Ahead of that, he said, "Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji has put huge focus on inclusive development and a growth which brings a big transformative change in lives of the people at the bottom of pyramid, people who have been left out of development over many decades in the past. Whether it is bank accounts, whether it is providing toilets, gas connections, having tap water connections, getting the basic infrastructure in villages done, infrastructure in urban areas done, this is something which world wants to understand.'

"In World Economic forum in Davos, there is lot of interest in understanding our thought process, PM’s economic policy, about the digital transformation, about the way India has created new digital architecture under the digital India programme of PM Narendra Modi ji and also the way technology has been democratised by our Prime Minister’s digital India programme. There is a lot of interest on this," Vaishnaw added.

• Pre-inauguration fireworks at Trump National Golf Course in Sterling, Virginia.
• The swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Donald J Trump as the 47th President of the United States of America will take place tomorrow, 20th January.

After landing in Washington, President-elect Donald J Trump went to the Trump National Golf Course in Sterling, Virginia, for attending the pre-inauguration fireworks.

The swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Donald J Trump as the 47th President of the United States of America will take place tomorrow, 20th January.

DCP Zone 9 Dixit Gedam addressed a press conference and said, "On January 16, at 2 am, actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked at his residence. FIR was registered and one accused has been arrested. His name is Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, he is 30 years old. He entered the house with the intention of robbery. He will be produced in the court and custody will be demanded. Further investigation will take place later... We doubt he is of Bangladeshi origin..."

A 27-year-old woman tourist and her instructor were killed after they crashed into a ravine while they were paragliding in North Goa, police said on Sunday. The accident occurred at Keri village on Saturday evening.

Shivani Dable, a resident of Pune, and her instructor, Sumal Nepali (26), a Nepalese national, crashed to death at Keri Plateau around 5 pm. (PTI)

The Mumbai Police has arrested a man, in the wee hours of Sunday, accused of stabbing Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan at his residence in Bandra. Police said the accused confessed to committing the crime.

Mumbai Police has also confirmed that the accused was using multiple names including Vijay Das, Bijoy Das, and Mohammed Iliyas, ANI reported.