Gaza ceasefire brings calls for full implementation

Both Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas have pledged to advance their peace agreement, which came into effect in the Gaza Strip at Friday noon local time, as the international community stressed the need to ensure full implementation of the ceasefire with no violations and demanded guarantees in the process.

The Israeli army confirmed in a brief statement that the truce had taken effect at 12:00 noon local time or 0900 GMT.

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that the government had approved the framework for the release of all hostages, both living and deceased.

As of Friday, the Israeli military has started to withdraw from significant portions of the Gaza Strip. However, sounds of Israeli fighter jets could reportedly be heard around the Nuseirat refugee camp.

The first phase of the peace plan, achieved after three days of intensive negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye and the United States, includes the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza City, the north, Rafah and Khan Younis, the opening of five crossings for the entry of humanitarian aid, and the release of hostages and prisoners.

Israel's military had 24 hours to move to a predetermined line within Gaza, after which a 72-hour period begins in which Hamas must surrender the hostages.

Local eyewitnesses told Xinhua News Agency that calm prevailed across most areas of the coastal enclave following the announcement, marking the beginning of the implementation of the deal reached in Egypt.

As part of the agreement, Israel will release 1,700 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 48 hostages in captivity in Gaza.

Hamas' top negotiator Khalil al-Hayya said in a televised speech on Thursday that the US administration and mediators had given assurances that the war is over, and that Hamas and other Palestinian factions will now focus on achieving self-determination and establishing a Palestinian state.

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem called on mediators to "pressure Israel to adhere to the agreed terms", warning that any violation "would undermine international and regional efforts to end the war".

The accord in Egypt followed US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza. He said that he planned to leave on Sunday for the Middle East, where Israel is facing international isolation over the conflict that has killed at least over 67,000 Palestinians.