TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas for the Gaza Strip took effect at noon local time, as announced by the Israeli military. The announcement followed the approval from Israel's Cabinet of President Donald Trump's ceasefire plan, which encompasses the release of remaining hostages and Palestinian prisoners. This development marks a significant step toward ending a protracted two-year conflict that has been a source of instability in the Middle East.
Despite the ceasefire declaration, Palestinians reported ongoing heavy shelling in various parts of Gaza throughout Friday morning. The Israeli Cabinet's endorsement of Trump's plan reflects the complexities of the situation and indicates a delicate and fragmented peace process.
In a brief statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed the Cabinet's approval of the ceasefire deal's "outline" without delving into the more contentious elements. An unnamed Israeli security official stated that the military would maintain control over approximately 50% of Gaza after the troop withdrawal.
Following the Cabinet's decision, residents in Gaza reported an increase in shelling, particularly evident in the Nuseirat refugee camp. Mahmoud Sharkawy, currently sheltering there after being displaced from Gaza City, noted a significant rise in artillery fire and the presence of low-flying military aircraft. Additionally, two residents from northern Gaza reported continued bombing activities, predominantly from artillery shells, while Rami Mhanna, the managing director of Shifa Hospital, confirmed that shelling persisted in Gaza City despite the official ceasefire announcement.
A senior Hamas official, Khalil al-Hayya, outlined key components of the ceasefire deal during a televised speech, highlighting Israel's commitment to release about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, reopen the border with Egypt, facilitate aid distributions, and ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Al-Hayya emphasized the planned release of all women and children detained in Israeli prisons, though he did not provide specifics on the extent of the Israeli military's withdrawal from Gaza.
According to al-Hayya, assurances from the Trump administration and other mediators indicate that the conflict is effectively over, allowing Hamas and other Palestinian factions to prioritize self-determination and the establishment of a Palestinian state. “We declare today that we have reached an agreement to end the war and the aggression against our people,” al-Hayya stated.
To monitor and support the ceasefire agreement, U.S. officials announced plans to deploy approximately 200 troops to Israel as part of a broader international effort. Details of this operation were made public under anonymity, citing the sensitive nature of the deployment.
As residents of Gaza grapple with the effects of ongoing violence amidst announcements of peace, the situation remains fluid. Many have expressed confusion and distress, with some reporting continued shelling despite the declared ceasefire. The coming days will likely be critical in determining the stability of this new ceasefire and the prospects for lasting peace in the region.
