Israel announces Gaza ceasefire agreement comes into effect

TEL AVIV: The Israeli army has announced that the Gaza ceasefire agreement has come into effect on Friday, according to foreign media reports.

The Israeli army has announced that the Gaza ceasefire agreement has come into effect and will release 11 Hamas prisoners.

Arab media say that Israel has begun to withdraw its troops from the line agreed upon under the Gaza agreement, while the people of Gaza have begun to return to their areas.

Israeli cabinet approval

The Israeli government approved the agreement on the ceasefire and exchange of hostages in Gaza.

The Israeli government’s cabinet meeting regarding the approval of the Gaza peace plan was held, which was attended by the Israeli prime minister and ministers, as well as US special representative for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

According to a statement issued by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, the government has approved the agreement on the release of all hostages.

Under the agreement, the hostages will be released in exchange for the release of about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and a partial withdrawal of the Israeli army.

According to reports, the Israeli army will now move to new positions inside the Gaza Strip, but will maintain control over about 53 percent of the territory, after which 72 hours will be given, during which Hamas will release all the hostages.

Background to the Gaza Deal

Efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza had been ongoing for several months, after which US President Donald Trump presented 20 points for a peace agreement, which were supported by eight other Muslim countries, including Pakistan, while Israel also recognized these points.

Later, negotiations were held in Egypt between Hamas and Israeli officials through mediators, and two days ago, the US President announced a peace deal in Gaza.

In addition, a senior US official told the news agency that after the deal, an international force of 200 personnel under US supervision will monitor the ceasefire, and this force will include soldiers from Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye, and possibly the United Arab Emirates.