As it preps for start of ceasefire, IDF says ready for ‘immediate’ return to fighting

The Israel Defense Forces said on Saturday that it had made all necessary preparations for the ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza, which was set to start at 8:30 a.m. Sunday morning. The military also said it was on heightened alert for various scenarios that could occur as the ceasefire takes effect and was prepared to “immediately” return to fighting if the truce falls apart at any time.

In a statement, the IDF said it had begun to “implement the operational procedures” that the agreement dictates, referring to the withdrawal of IDF troops from populated areas within Gaza to certain agreed-upon zones.

Overnight, Southern Command will work to redeploy troops inside the Gaza Strip, withdrawing from urban areas and positioning them on lines that were agreed upon between Israel and Hamas. Large numbers of forces will be moving around during the night and the morning hours, the IDF said.   (Read More)