Ceasefire now in effect in Gaza, Israeli military confirms

Israel’s military said on Friday that it was now observing the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The ceasefire came into effect at 12pm local time, the military said. Troops had begun positioning themselves along the updated deployment lines in preparation for the ceasefire and the return of hostages in coming days. Videos shared by Gazan journalists showed thousands of people returning to Gaza city on foot from the south through Al Rashid road, hoping to find their homes still standing.