OMAR AL-QATTAAAFP
The Israeli military said Sunday that it continued to carry out attacks in Gaza, insisting that a ceasefire with Hamas had still not come into effect as the group had not provided a list of hostages to be released.
"The IDF continues to strike within the Gaza area at this time. According to the prime minister's directives, the ceasefire will not come into effect until Hamas fulfils its commitments," military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a televised statement.
AFP footage, however, showed hundreds of Gazans cheering and celebrating after 06:30 GMT in the central city of Deir el-Balah, when the ceasefire was to effect.
Many were taking pictures on mobile phones, clapping and hugging each other.
About 30 minutes later, AFPTV showed a thick plume of grey smoke rising over northeastern Gaza.
The militant group said the delay in supplying the list was due to technical reasons.
The 42-day truce is intended to pave the way to an end to more than 15 months of war sparked by the October 7 attack, the deadliest in Israeli history.
It follows a deal struck by mediators Qatar, the United States and Egypt after months of fruitless negotiations.
In a televised address to the nation on Saturday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had America's support to return to war if necessary.
He said if forced, they would resume the war and do so with force.
© Agence France-Presse
