Washington confirms first phase of Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza
Photo: Steve Witkoff (Getty Images)
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have completed the first phase of troop withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, stated US Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, on X.
"CENTCOM has confirmed that the Israeli Defense Forces completed the first phase withdrawal to the yellow line at 12 p.m. local time," Witkoff wrote.
A 72-hour period for the release of hostages has now begun.
Gaza peace plan
The Israel Defense Forces announced that a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip has come into effect, beginning at noon local time.
Last week, US President Donald Trump unveiled a plan to end the war between Israel and Hamas. The 20-point proposal includes the creation of an international Peace Council.
Israel has approved the first stage of the agreement, which will lead to a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
It is also known that Donald Trump plans to travel to the Middle East amid ongoing talks between regional countries aimed at ending the Gaza conflict.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that Hamas militants are expected to release all hostages in the first half of next week. The signing of the final Gaza agreement is scheduled to take place in Egypt.
