By Abiola Olawale
The Israeli government has withdrawn its army forces from Gaza as a ceasefire officially begins on Friday.
It was gathered that the Israeli army said that its troops had ceased fire at noon (0900 GMT) “in preparation for the ceasefire agreement and the return of hostages.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said that the government has approved a framework of a hostage release deal with Hamas, and the military confirmed it was “in the midst of adjusting operational positions in the Gaza Strip”.
Following the development, thousands of displaced Palestinians have been cited trekking back to their homes and their families.
Gaza’s civil defence agency has also confirmed the development.
The agency revealed that Israeli troops and armoured vehicles were pulling back from forward positions in both Gaza City and Khan Yunis.
Also, a 32-year-old Ameer Abu Lyadeh, who spoke with the press said: “We’re going back to our areas, full of wounds and sorrow, but we thank God for this situation.
“God willing, everyone will return to their areas. We’re happy — even if we return to ruins with no life, at least it’s our land.”
The New Diplomat reports that the development came after Israel and Hamas penned an agreement in Egypt on Wednesday.
The agreement followed a 20-point peace plan announced last month by US President Donald Trump.
