In a major breakthrough in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a four-day cease-fire went into effect in Gaza on Friday morning. The temporary truce was agreed upon to facilitate the release of dozens of hostages who were taken during a terrorist attack on October 7. After hours of deliberation, Israeli leaders finally agreed to enact the ceasefire at 7 a.m. local time, marking the first significant pause in the war.

During the initial hours of the cease-fire, there were no reports of bombings, artillery strikes, or rocket launches, according to Reuters. However, sirens sounded in two Israeli villages outside of southern Gaza, warning residents of possible incoming Palestinian rockets. The Israeli government claimed that Hamas had violated the truce by launching a rocket, although there were no immediate reports of damage.

As part of the agreement brokered by Qatar, Hamas agreed to release 50 women and children throughout the cease-fire period. In return, Israel agreed to extend the "humanitarian pause" for an additional day for every 10 hostages released. The release of the first group of 13 Israeli women and children was expected later on Friday. Israel estimated that Hamas was holding nearly 240 hostages in Gaza, including 10 Americans.

In a reciprocal gesture, Israel pledged to release 150 Palestinian women and minors currently in custody. Additionally, Gaza was expected to receive an influx of humanitarian aid, including medical supplies and fuel, to help alleviate the strain on the region's struggling hospitals.

The process of releasing the hostages would occur in five stages, according to the Israeli Prime Minister's office. The first stage involved handing over the women and children to the Red Cross, who would then transfer custody to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The hostages would undergo medical checks before being sent to Israeli hospitals to reunite with their families. In the final stage, the former hostages would have formal meetings with Israeli security officials.

However, it is important to note that Israel has made it clear that the cease-fire is only temporary, and the fighting will continue until all their goals are achieved. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the war would not end until Hamas is eradicated and Gaza is no longer a threat to Israel. Meanwhile, President Biden expressed his support for the hostage release deal, stating that he would not stop until all American hostages were freed.

While the cease-fire offers a glimmer of hope for peace, the situation remains fragile. The IDF warned displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza not to return to their homes in the northern part of the strip, as leaflets dropped over the area emphasized that the war was not yet over.

As the cease-fire takes effect, it is crucial to monitor the implementation of the hostage release and the continuation of diplomatic efforts to bring a lasting resolution to the conflict.