On what date did the Israel-Hamas ceasefire take effect in January 2025, with the first hostages and prisoners released?

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which included the first exchange of hostages and prisoners, officially commenced on January 19, 2025. This significant development followed months of intense negotiations, primarily mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, aiming to de-escalate the protracted conflict in the Gaza Strip. The agreement, often referred to as a multi-stage plan, sought to bring a halt to hostilities and facilitate humanitarian efforts in the region.

On the initial day of the ceasefire, three Israeli women, who had been held captive, were released and transferred to the International Committee of the Red Cross. Shortly thereafter, 90 Palestinian prisoners, consisting of women and teenage boys, were released from Israeli custody in the West Bank. This initial exchange marked the first tangible step in implementing the broader agreement, which envisioned further releases of hostages and prisoners in subsequent phases.

The deal itself was a complex framework, with its first phase designed to last six weeks, during which more Israeli hostages were expected to be freed in exchange for a larger number of Palestinian prisoners. It also stipulated provisions for increased humanitarian aid into Gaza and a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from populated areas. The negotiations leading to this ceasefire were fraught with challenges, reflecting the deep-seated complexities of the conflict, and while the agreement offered a glimmer of hope for peace, its implementation was closely watched by the international community.