IDF says ceasefire with Hamas is in effect

The Israel Defense Forces said Friday that the ceasefire with Hamas is in effect, as of noon local time.

The announcement follows Palestinians reporting heavy shelling on Friday morning in northern Gaza, The Associated Press reported.

Israel’s Cabinet earlier Friday approved President Donald Trump’s plan for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of all the remaining hostages held by Hamas, in a critical step toward ending the two-year war.

There are still many unanswered questions regarding the broader ceasefire plan, such as whether and how Palenstinian-backed Hamas will disarm and who will govern Gaza.

The IDF said that it has withdrawn troops to the agreed deployment lines for the first stage of the ceasefire.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said; “Hamas agreed to the deal only when it felt that the sword was on its neck — and it is still on its neck. Hamas agreed to the deal after Trump’s plan, which I agreed to with the President in Washington.”

“I promised the families of the hostages, and I also promised you, citizens of Israel, that we will return everyone, without exception. We promised and we are fulfilling it,” Netanyahu said.

Under the ceasefire plan, which Hamas agreed to, all 48 hostages still in captivity are expected to be released. Israel believes about 20 of them are still alive.

Netanyahu added that, after the return of the hostages, Israel would continue with its demilitarization of Hamas.