The IDF is getting ready to implement the hostage deal and ceasefire agreement that is set to go into effect at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, the military reported on Saturday morning.
As part of the initiation of the ceasefire agreement, “IDF troops will implement the operational procedures in the field in accordance with the set agreements,” the military said, adding that it has been preparing to receive the hostages after their release.
It further noted that it is both working to carefully administer the required physical and psychological support to the hostages and to continue to ensure the security of Israel’s citizens, “particularly those in communities near the Gaza Strip.”
The IDF statement follows the announcement by Qatar Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Majed al-Ansari that the ceasefire would take effect on Sunday morning. The Qatari announcement itself came hours after the Israeli government voted in its approval.
"We advise the inhabitants to take precaution, exercise the utmost caution, and wait for directions from official sources," Ansari stated.
As coordinated by the parties to the agreement and the mediators, the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 19, local time in Gaza. We advise the inhabitants to take precaution, exercise the utmost caution, and wait for directions from official…
— د. ماجد محمد الأنصاري Dr. Majed Al Ansari (@majedalansari) January 18, 2025
Ceasefire approved by Israeli gov't hours earlier
The ceasefire was approved by the Israeli government at 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, after a vote of 24-8 put to bed seven hours of deliberation.
On Friday, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told the Gulf country's state-run media giant Al Jazeera that the final days of negotiations were decisive.
"We seek to implement the first phase in full and for the second phase to be final, and we are waiting for the Security Council to issue a binding resolution to implement the agreement."
The Qatari leader also reiterated that, after the ceasefire is implemented, Gaza's administrative responsibilities would be left to the Palestinians.
"The management of Gaza after the war is a Palestinian matter." Al Thani told Al Jazeera. "Our duty as Arab states is to support Palestinian reconciliation and work towards ending division."
The ceasefire is set to take place in three phases, over the course of which, the IDF will withdraw from Gaza and Hamas will release all the hostages held in the Strip.