The Israeli military said Friday that the ceasefire agreement with Hamas came into effect at noon local time, and that troops were withdrawing to the agreed-upon deployment lines.

The announcement came after Palestinians reported heavy shelling Friday morning in northern Gaza.

Recommended Videos

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said early Friday that Israel’s Cabinet approved President Donald Trump’s plan for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the release of all remaining hostages and of Palestinian prisoners.

The statement said the Cabinet approved the “outline” of a deal to release the hostages, without mentioning other aspects of the plan that are more controversial.

While the approval marks a key step toward ending a devastating two-year war , the broader ceasefire plan

See Full Page