Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Goes Into Effect

The Israeli Military has said its ceasefire agreement with Hamas went into effect at midday local time on Friday.

Israel Defense Forces troops began positioning themselves along the updated deployment lines in preparation for the ceasefire agreement and the return of hostages, agencies report.

The army also said that 11 prisoners from Hamas will be released instead of 11 prisoners affiliated with Fatah as part of the Gaza agreement, saying there had been a last-minute change in those who would be freed.

Under the US president Donald Trump’s plan Israel’s government ratified the ceasefire in the early hours of Friday, clearing the way to suspend hostilities in Gaza within 24 hours and free Israeli hostages held there within 72 hours after that.