IDF completes withdrawal to new deployment lines in accordance with Gaza ceasefire terms

The ceasefire in the Gaza Strip officially began at noon as the IDF says it has withdrawn troops to the agreed-upon deployment lines as part of the deal with Hamas to secure the release of all the hostages held by the terror group.

“As of 12:00 [p.m.], IDF troops have positioned themselves on the updated deployment lines, in accordance with the outline of the ceasefire and the return of the hostages agreement,” the military says.

“IDF troops in the Southern Command are deployed in the area and will continue to operate to eliminate any immediate threat,” the military adds.

Within 72 hours, meaning by Monday at noon, Hamas is set to release the 48 hostages it is holding, beginning with the 20 believed to be alive. The terror group has, in the past, told mediators it does not know where some of the bodies of slain hostages are located, which may delay the release of the bodies.