A cease-fire between Israel and Hamas took effect in Gaza on Friday at noon local time, marking a significant pause in weeks of intense conflict. The truce follows an agreement approved by Israel’s Cabinet late Thursday to temporarily halt military operations in exchange for the release of hostages held by Hamas and the liberation of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli custody.
The Israeli military confirmed the start of the cease-fire, which is expected to facilitate a phased exchange process and open corridors for humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip. Under the terms of the agreement, Hamas is expected to release the remaining hostages captured during the initial attacks, while Israel will release a number of Palestinian prisoners in return. The operation is scheduled to unfold in multiple stages over the coming days, monitored by international mediators.
The truce also provides a critical window for the delivery of food, water, medical supplies, and other humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza, where infrastructure has been heavily damaged and basic resources have become increasingly scarce. International aid organizations have prepared convoys to move into the territory as soon as security conditions allow.
The cease-fire follows weeks of negotiations involving several regional and international actors, including Egypt and Qatar, who played key roles in mediating the terms of the agreement. The temporary halt in fighting is seen as both a humanitarian measure and a potential step toward broader negotiations, though officials have emphasized that the truce is limited in scope and duration.
Military operations in Gaza have intensified since the conflict erupted, resulting in significant casualties and widespread destruction. The cease-fire marks the first major pause in hostilities since the escalation began, offering temporary relief to affected populations on both sides.
As the truce begins, both Israeli and Hamas officials have indicated that they will closely monitor the implementation of each stage of the agreement. The success of the hostage-prisoner exchange and the delivery of humanitarian aid will be key factors in determining whether the pause holds in the coming days.