Israel-Hamas Gaza Ceasefire Takes Effect: Key Details of the Historic Peace Agreement

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began in Gaza on Friday, as confirmed by the Israeli military, following the Israeli Cabinet's approval of a deal to pause hostilities and exchange remaining hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

Thousands of displaced Palestinians in central Gaza began moving northward after the military's noon announcement. While heavy shelling was reported throughout Friday morning, bombardment notably ceased after the ceasefire took effect.

This agreement represents a significant step toward ending a devastating two-year conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives, destroyed much of Gaza's infrastructure, destabilized the Middle East, and left numerous hostages in the territory.

Despite unresolved questions regarding Hamas disarmament and Gaza's future governance, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated firmly in a Friday televised address that subsequent phases would include Hamas disarmament and Gaza demilitarization.

"If this is achieved the easy way - so be it. If not - it will be achieved the hard way," Netanyahu declared, adding that Hamas agreed to terms "only when it felt that the sword was on its neck - and it is still on its neck."

Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin confirmed that troops completed their withdrawal to deployment lines by Friday afternoon, hours after the ceasefire officially commenced.

An Israeli security official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the withdrawal, indicated the military would maintain control of approximately 50% of Gaza in their new positions.

In Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, Mahmoud Sharkawy, displaced from Gaza City, reported intensified artillery shelling before the military's announcement. "The shelling has significantly increased today," Sharkawy noted, mentioning low-flying military aircraft over central Gaza.

Gaza City residents also reported early morning shelling. "It is confusing, we have been hearing shelling all night despite the ceasefire news," said Heba Garoun, who fled her destroyed home in eastern Gaza City.

The conflict began when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.

Israel's subsequent offensive has resulted in over 67,000 Palestinian deaths and nearly 170,000 wounded in Gaza, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but reports that about half the fatalities were women and children. The United Nations and many independent experts consider these figures the most reliable estimate of casualties.

The war has triggered regional conflicts, worldwide protests, and allegations of genocide, which Israel denies.

Under the ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces have withdrawn to new positions in Gaza, and all 48 remaining hostages are expected to be released, with approximately 20 believed to be alive.

In exchange, Israel will release around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. A list published Friday by Israel excluded high-profile prisoner Marwan Barghouti, a popular Palestinian leader with potential unifying influence. Israel considers him and others as terrorist masterminds responsible for Israeli civilian deaths and has refused their release in previous exchanges.

Senior Hamas official and lead negotiator Khalil al-Hayya announced Thursday that all women and children held in Israeli prisons would be freed. "We declare today that we have reached an agreement to end the war and the aggression against our people," al-Hayya stated.

Hostage and prisoner releases are expected to begin Monday, according to officials briefed on the negotiations, though they could start as early as Sunday night.

All living hostages are anticipated to be released simultaneously, followed later by the remains of deceased captives.

Five border crossings, including the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, are expected to reopen, facilitating aid flow into the territory, parts of which face famine conditions.

UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher reported Thursday that officials have 170,000 metric tons of medicine, aid, and supplies ready for transport into Gaza when authorized.

The peace plan proposes an open-ended Israeli military presence inside Gaza along its border with Israel, while an international force comprising troops from Arab and Muslim countries would handle internal security.

To support and monitor the ceasefire, U.S. officials indicated they would deploy approximately 200 troops to Israel as part of a broader international team.

The U.S. would also lead a major internationally funded reconstruction effort.

The plan envisions an eventual role for the Palestinian Authority, despite Netanyahu's long-standing opposition. It requires the West Bank-administering authority to undergo extensive reforms potentially spanning years.

The proposal remains vague regarding a future Palestinian state, which Netanyahu firmly opposes.

(This report has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)