section_path: Ceasefire and hostage/prisoner exchanges/Early hours
section_name: Early hours
paragraph_text: Early hours
  
  A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was also reached on 17 January 2025. The agreement was confirmed by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's office shortly after midnight on 18 January local time, and went into effect on 19 January.
  
  The ceasefire was to go into effect at 8:30 am on 19 January. On the morning of 19 January, Israel killed 19 people in the Gaza Strip. Israel said that was because Hamas had not provided the names of the three hostages to be released; Hamas said it was forced to delay giving the names due to "technical field reasons". Netanyahu stated that if talks for the next stage broke down, "We retain the right to return to the war, if necessary, with the backing of the United States."