ALBAWABA - A ceasefire is expected to take effect in Gaza as soon as the agreement is signed, Reuters reported, citing a source.
According to the source, the Israeli army will complete the first phase of the partial withdrawal within the first 24 hours. In addition, the ceasefire deal is expected to be signed in Gaza at 12:00 p.m. Gaza time (+3 GMT).
U.S. President Donald Trump said that both Hamas and Israel agreed on the first phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
In statements to Fox News, Trump indicated that the "hostages" held in Gaza would likely be released next Monday, as well as the bodies of the dead. Moreover, Trump is set to visit Israel in the "coming days" and could address the Knesset.
Nonetheless, the US president will also likely visit Egypt later this week.
Trump stressed that "this means that all hostages will be released very soon," and that Israel will withdraw its forces to an agreed-upon line as the first steps toward a strong and lasting peace.
Trump indicated in a post on Truth Social that all parties would be treated fairly, and called the announcement "a great day for the Arab and Islamic world, Israel, and the United States. We thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey."
