The announcement follows the Israeli Cabinet's approval of a ceasefire plan brokered by US President Donald Trump, which includes the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas and the freeing of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails
A demonstrator holds a 'Peace for Gaza' poster during a protest in Paris on Wednesday. PIC/AFP
A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip has officially come into effect as of noon local time on Friday, news agency AP reported, quoting the Israeli military. Israel also stated that its troops have begun withdrawing to the agreed-upon deployment lines.
The announcement follows the Israeli Cabinet's approval of a ceasefire plan, which was brokered by US President Donald Trump. Under the peace plan, it has been decided to release of all the remaining hostages held by Hamas and free Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
Shortly after the military's declaration, tens of thousands of Palestinians gathered in Wadi Gaza began moving northward — signalling cautious optimism that the fighting might be ending after two years of devastating conflict, AP reported.
However, despite the ceasefire declaration, residents across Gaza reported heavy shelling throughout the early hours of Friday, raising confusion and concern over the implementation of the agreement.
In central Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp, displaced resident Mahmoud Sharkawy said artillery fire intensified in the early hours of the morning.
“The shelling has significantly increased today,” said Sharkawy, adding that low-flying military aircraft had been heard overhead.
Similar reports came from northern Gaza, where two Gaza City residents described ongoing artillery bombardments, AP reported.
Rami Mhanna, managing director of Shifa Hospital, confirmed the continued shelling in both southern and northern parts of Gaza City, saying: “It is confusing, we have been hearing shelling all night despite the ceasefire news.”
Heba Garoun, a resident who fled eastern Gaza City after her home was destroyed, echoed the uncertainty felt on the ground.
According to Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official and lead negotiator, the core elements of the ceasefire deal include:
The release of around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners
The opening of border crossings with Egypt
The unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid
The withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Al-Hayya added that all women and children in Israeli jails will be released, although he provided no specific details regarding the extent of Israeli troop withdrawals.
In a televised address on Thursday night, Al-Hayya stated: “We declare today that we have reached an agreement to end the war and the aggression against our people.”
He further noted that Hamas and other Palestinian factions would now focus on pursuing self-determination and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office released a brief statement early Friday confirming the Cabinet had approved the “outline” of the agreement, without addressing the more politically sensitive elements of the deal.
To help monitor and support the ceasefire implementation, U.S. officials confirmed that approximately 200 American troops would be deployed to Israel as part of a broader international oversight mission. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity, citing the sensitivity of the details.
An Israeli security official, also speaking anonymously, stated that under the new terms, the Israeli military would retain control over approximately 50 per cent of Gaza as part of its redeployment.
The agreement marks a significant turning point in the conflict and is viewed as a step toward ending a ruinous two-year war that has taken a heavy toll on civilians and destabilised the region.
(With AP inputs)
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