A significant development unfolded on Friday as the Israeli military announced a cease-fire was officially in effect in Gaza starting at noon. Concurrently, Israeli soldiers began repositioning themselves within the territory, signaling a new phase in the ongoing conflict.
In an official statement, the military affirmed its commitment to maintaining security, stating that forces in the Southern Command would “continue to remove any immediate threat,” even as the truce commenced.
This pivotal announcement follows the Israeli government’s approval earlier on Friday of a comprehensive agreement negotiated with Hamas. This deal outlines a framework for the exchange of all remaining hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners currently in Israeli custody. It also includes an initial, phased withdrawal of the Israeli military from Gaza.
While the cease-fire has been declared, the immediate on-the-ground reality in Gaza as of Friday remained somewhat unclear, with both sides expected to adhere to the terms of the agreement.
Details released by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office reveal that the Israeli military is slated to complete its redeployment to new defensive lines within Gaza by early Saturday. Following this, Hamas has a 72-hour window to ensure the return of all hostages, a critical component of the agreement, which tragically includes the retrieval of bodies of those who did not survive.
Furthermore, the accord stipulates that Israel will release 250 Palestinian prisoners, many of whom are serving life sentences. Additionally, 1,722 Gazans detained during the recent conflict, and confirmed not to be involved in the horrific October 7, 2023, attacks, will also be freed. Among those to be released are 22 individuals under the age of 18.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as information becomes available.