Israel estimates that it will complete its withdrawal to the new lines inside Gaza by Friday afternoon.

The Israeli army estimates that it will complete its initial withdrawal to its new positions within the Gaza Strip by noon on Friday, according to the plan of U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Israeli army radio stated: "The army estimates that by noon, all forces will be positioned along the withdrawal lines stipulated in the agreement."

It clarified that "from the moment the Israeli army is positioned on the lines, the 72-hour deadline begins during which Hamas is required to return the captives."

The radio reported that "the return of the captives (Israeli prisoners held in Gaza) is expected by noon on Monday at the latest," and noted the possibility of their return before that time.

On Friday morning, the Israeli government approved a ceasefire agreement regarding Gaza and a prisoner exchange with Palestinian factions, meaning that the ceasefire agreement will take effect immediately.

On Thursday evening, the Israeli army began its gradual withdrawal from the city of Gaza to new lines within the strip, in accordance with the agreement, according to Hebrew media.

According to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, government ministers voted in favor of concluding the agreement, except for 5, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

On Thursday, Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement on the first phase of his plan for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange, following four days of indirect negotiations between the two sides in Sharm El Sheikh, with the participation of Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar, and under U.S. supervision.

Tel Aviv estimates that there are 48 Israeli captives in Gaza, of whom 20 are alive, while more than 11,100 Palestinians are imprisoned in its jails, suffering from torture, starvation, and medical neglect, with many having died, according to Palestinian and Israeli human rights and media reports.

With U.S. support, Israel has been committing genocide in Gaza since October 8, 2023, resulting in 67,194 deaths and 169,890 injuries, most of whom are children and women, and famine has claimed the lives of 460 Palestinians, including 154 children.