The Israeli military has announced that the ceasefire in Gaza has officially come into effect, following the approval of the agreement by the Israeli cabinet and the deployment of forces along the agreed withdrawal line.
Under the terms of the deal, Hamas has 72 hours to hand over to Israel all remaining hostages, whether alive or deceased. In return, 1,950 Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released as part of the mutual agreement.
According to the Israeli military radio, 11 Hamas prisoners will be released immediately as part of the ceasefire implementation, AP reports.
An Israeli military spokesperson has warned civilians that it remains “extremely dangerous” to approach the Rafah border crossing and the Philadelphi Corridor in the south. Meanwhile, Hamas-run civil defense forces have urged residents to stay away from IDF troops until the withdrawal process is complete.
