The deadline for the start of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip passed as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hamas had not lived up to its commitment to provide the names of the three hostages it was set to release later on Sunday in exchange for scores of Palestinian prisoners.

The truce between Israel and Hamas was set to begin at 8:30 a.m. local time. The first Israeli hostages were to be released hours later in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the cease-fire would not begin until Hamas provides the names of the three hostages it was set to release later Sunday in exchange for scores of Palestinian prisoners.

The anticipated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, scheduled for Sunday morning at 08:30 local time (06:30 GMT), has been delayed. Ahram Online provides a live coverage of the events which could signal the start of the end of 470 days of a genocidal Israeli war that killed and wounded nearly 10 percent of the 2.

In the southern Gaza Strip, several civilians were wounded when Israeli forces targeted them with heavy fire as they attempted to return to their homes in Rafah and Khan Younis. Both regions have been subjected to continuous Israeli artillery bombardment since the early hours of the day.

A visual guide to how much has changed in the Gaza Strip since Israel began its military response to Hamas's attacks on 7 October.

According to the analysis, as much as 70% of buildings in North Gaza and 74% in Gaza City are likely damaged or destroyed. Satellite images show widespread rubble and the ruins of structures in the area.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said 50 fuel trucks are set to enter the Gaza Strip when the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas starts on Sunday.

Netanyahu said he would convene his security Cabinet later Friday, and then the government to approve the long-awaited hostage deal.

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are eager to leave miserable tent camps and return to their homes if a long-awaited ceasefire agreement halts the Israel-Hamas war.

Egyptian ministers overseeing efforts in Arish city, a hub for receiving, transporting international relief aid to Gaza, reports media