A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip has officially come into effect as of noon local time on Friday, news agency AP reported, quoting the Israeli military. Israel also stated that its troops have begun withdrawing to the agreed-upon deployment lines.

The announcement follows the Israeli Cabinet's approval of a ceasefire plan, which was brokered by US President Donald Trump. Under the peace plan, it has been decided to release of all the remaining hostages held by Hamas and free Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.