(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Cairo: A fragile ceasefire brokered by the US took effect in Gaza on Friday afternoon, bringing a tentative pause to two years of devastating war in Gaza- even as Israeli forces launched last-minute strikes just hours before the truce began..

The Israeli military announced that the ceasefire formally began at 12 p.m. local time (9 a.m. GMT), following the army's withdrawal to“agreed-upon lines” as outlined in the first phase of the truce. By midday, Israeli tanks had pulled back from the coastal al-Rashid Street, allowing thousands of displaced Palestinians to make their way back toward Gaza City for the first time in months.

The announcement came shortly after heavy Israeli bombardment of Gaza City and Khan Younis, where air and artillery strikes were reported throughout the morning. Gunfire was also heard across parts of the enclave, though there were no immediate reports of casualties.

At least eight Palestinians were killed on Thursday night when Israeli forces conducted airstrikes after mediators confirmed a ceasefire deal had been reached.

The Israeli Cabinet approved the truce plan - championed by US President Donald Trump - in the early hours of Friday.

The proposal includes a phased ceasefire, the release of twenty living Israeli captives and several bodies within 72 hours, in return for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners jailed in Israel. It also commits Israel to withdrawal from key areas of Gaza and to reopen border crossings to allow humanitarian aid to flow into the besieged territory.

A senior Israeli official said the military would retain control over about 50 percent of Gaza under the new arrangement, as forces reposition to what officials described as“defensive lines.”

Hamas Details Terms

Senior Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya outlined the core elements of the agreement Thursday evening, saying the truce would bring an end to“the war and aggression against our people.” He confirmed the prisoner release, reopening of the Rafah crossing with Egypt, and unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid.

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