Gaza Truce Comes Into Effect After 3 Years Of Deadly War, Confirms Israeli Army

<p>A ceasefire in Gaza officially came into effect at 0900 GMT (12:00 PM local time) on Friday, following a truce and hostage-release agreement between Israel and Hamas, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump.</p>
<p>In a statement released shortly after the ceasefire took hold, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed, &ldquo;The ceasefire agreement came into effect at 12:00,&rdquo; noting that troops had begun repositioning along updated deployment lines in accordance with the deal.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Since 12:00 (0900 GMT), IDF troops began positioning themselves along the updated deployment lines in preparation for the ceasefire agreement and the return of hostages,&rdquo; the statement said.</p>
<p>The IDF further announced that its Southern Command continues to monitor the situation closely and will &ldquo;remain alert to neutralize any immediate threats&rdquo; despite the cessation of active hostilities.</p>