The situation in Gaza moved swiftly today as the Israeli military announced that the ceasefire agreement officially took effect on Friday, October 10.
As part of the agreement, Israeli forces are repositioning toward the initial withdrawal line, following cabinet approval of the deal last night. The ceasefire was scheduled to come into force within 24 hours of approval.
Under the agreement, Hamas has 72 hours to release all remaining hostages, alive or deceased, once the withdrawal is complete. This step is expected to conclude by Sunday or Monday and will be followed by the release of 1,950 Palestinian prisoners by Israel.
Netanyahu’s Warning
Immediately after the ceasefire announcement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a statement warning that Israeli forces would remain in Gaza to maintain pressure on Hamas until the group is fully disarmed.
“Israel is positioning to contain Hamas from all directions in preparation for the next phases of the plan,” Netanyahu said, referring to the second phase of Donald Trump’s peace plan.
The plan calls for Hamas to disarm and withdraw from governance in Gaza, which will also be demilitarized.
“If this can be achieved easily, so much the better. If not, it will be achieved the hard way,” Netanyahu added.
