Tel Aviv: A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas officially came into effect on Friday afternoon, marking a critical juncture in the war that has devastated Gaza for nearly two years. While the truce was welcomed internationally as a step toward de-escalation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that hostilities will resume if Hamas fails to meet the terms of the deal chief among them, the release of hostages within 72 hours.

At noon local time, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the ceasefire had gone into effect, and troops began limited redeployment from several densely populated areas in Gaza. The withdrawal, officials said, was intended to reduce friction with the civilian population, though Israeli forces will continue to control roughly half of

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