URGENT: Ceasefire Takes Hold as Israel's Military Withdraws from Gaza

BREAKING NEWS: Ceasefire Takes Hold as Israel's Military Withdraws from Gaza A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has come into effect, with Israeli forces partially withdrawing troops from parts of Gaza on Friday morning. The Israeli military says it has pulled back to an agreed position within the territory, although troops still occupy half of the Strip. Thousands of Palestinians are making their way north, fleeing areas that have been heavily bombarded by Israeli forces in recent months. This development follows the Israeli government's approval of the first phase of US President Donald Trump's ceasefire and hostage return deal on Thursday. Under the agreement, Hamas has until Monday to release all Israeli hostages, including 20 believed to be alive, and up to 28 hostages' remains. The deal also requires Israel to release about 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails, with 100 expected to be released into the West Bank and five to East Jerusalem. Further releases are anticipated. This is a developing story, with ongoing negotiations over the next phases of the agreement. We will provide updates as more information becomes available. *This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Based on reporting from Bbc.*