The truce aims to halt Israeli strikes that have killed more than 46,800 Palestinians and laid waste to the enclave, plus see the gradual release of hostages held in captivity for 15 months.

Gaza’s Civil Defense said 19 people were killed in the nearly three-hour delay from when the ceasefire was set to be enforced.

Israel's military swiftly carried out air and artillery strikes in Gaza amid the delay. Israel Defense Forces spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the military would continue fighting until Hamas provided the names of the first hostages it planned to release. Hamas was supposed to do that 24 hours ahead of the exchange.