Israeli forces to “remain in place” during 72-hour ceasefire
Israeli forces will “remain in place” during a 72-hour ceasefire that will begin at 3pm Friday (Australian time).
The ceasefire, which has been accepted by Hamas and Israel, was announced by US Secretary of State John Kerry and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
The pair said in a statement that “forces on the ground will remain in place” during the truce, implying that Israeli ground forces will not withdraw.
Hamas said it would abide by a three-day mutual cease-fire with Israel to begin early on Friday.
“Acknowledging a call by the United Nations and in consideration of the situation of our people, resistance factions agreed to a 72-hour humanitarian and mutual calm that begins at 8 a.m on Friday as long as the other side abides by it.” Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said.
“All the Palestinian factions are united behind the issue in this regard,” Abu Zuhri said.
During the ceasefire, Israeli and Palestinian delegations are expected to travel to Cairo for negotiations.
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