 "IDF to retain control over 53% of Gaza after ceasefire agreement: Report")
Once the Israeli government officially ratifies the Gaza ceasefire agreement later this evening, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will commence troop withdrawals from the Gaza Strip, according to a Times of Israel report, citing officials.
Within 24 hours, the IDF is expected to retreat to pre-agreed deployment lines, maintaining control over approximately 53% of Gaza’s territory, primarily outside urban centers, added the report.
The remaining Israeli-controlled areas will include a buffer zone along the Gaza border, covering the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egypt-Gaza border, northern Gaza towns Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya, a ridge near Gaza City’s eastern outskirts, and significant portions of Rafah and Khan Younis in the south.
Following the withdrawal, Hamas is scheduled to release 48 hostages within 72 hours, starting with the 20 believed to be alive. However, the release of bodies may face delays as Hamas has reportedly told mediators it is uncertain about the whereabouts of some deceased hostages, reported Times of Israel.
The living hostages will be transferred to Red Cross representatives by Hamas without any formal ceremony. The Red Cross will then hand them over to IDF personnel stationed inside Gaza.
Hostages will be escorted to the IDF’s Re’im military base near the Gaza border for initial physical and mental health assessments, where some family members are expected to be present.
The IDF has stated it is prepared to handle the simultaneous release of all 20 living hostages, should Hamas opt for a group release.
Subsequently, the hostages and their families will be transported to hospitals in central Israel for further treatment and family reunions. Those requiring urgent medical care will be airlifted directly to Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, bypassing the Re’im facility.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe bodies of slain hostages will be received by Israeli troops in Gaza, where a small ceremony led by a military rabbi will be held. The caskets will undergo security inspections by sappers.
Civilian hostages’ bodies will be taken to the Abu Kabir forensic institute for identification, a process expected to take up to two days. The bodies of deceased soldiers will be sent to the IDF’s Shura Camp for identification.
With inputs from agencies
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