A much-anticipated cease-fire officially commenced in Gaza at noon on Friday, the Israeli military announced, confirming that its forces were beginning to reposition themselves within the territory.
However, the military’s statement also clarified that troops in the Southern Command would maintain their vigilance, tasked with ‘continuing to remove any immediate threat’ despite the halt in hostilities.
This critical announcement followed the Israeli government’s early Friday approval of a comprehensive deal brokered between Israel and Hamas.
In a recorded address, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the cease-fire agreement was designed to secure the return of all remaining hostages, while crucially allowing Israeli forces to retain their strategic positions within Gaza.
Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would not waver on its broader demands, which include the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarization of Gaza. He acknowledged, however, that Hamas views laying down its weapons as an act of surrender, considering armed struggle a legitimate response to what it perceives as Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
He starkly stated, ‘If this is achieved the easy way, so much the better. If not, it will be done the hard way,’ underscoring a firm stance on future actions.
The immediate impact of the cease-fire on the ground in Gaza remained uncertain, though Arab news outlets quickly broadcast images of thousands of residents moving along the coastal road, traveling from the southern to the northern parts of the strip.
Military spokesman Avichay Adraee confirmed that the Israeli military would permit Palestinians in southern Gaza to use major roads to head north. Yet, he issued a stern warning against approaching areas where Israeli troops would remain deployed, labeling these zones ‘extremely dangerous.’
Just hours before the cease-fire, on Thursday night, the Israeli military reported striking a location in northern Gaza, claiming it was occupied by Hamas fighters who ‘posed an immediate threat’ to their forces.
In contrast, Gaza’s Civil Defense emergency rescue service identified the target as a residential building, where dozens of people were reportedly present during the attack.
Details of the agreement, released by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office on Friday, stipulate that the Israeli military is to establish new deployment lines within Gaza by early Saturday. Subsequently, Hamas would be granted a 72-hour window to release all hostages, encompassing both living individuals and the remains of those who perished.
Furthermore, the deal confirms Israel’s authorization for the release of 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, alongside 1,722 Gazans who were detained during the conflict but were not implicated in the October 7, 2023 attacks. This group also includes 22 individuals who are under 18 years old.
Additional reporting was provided by Johnatan Reiss.