Gaza Ceasefire Set for Thursday Signing in Egypt, Takes Effect 0900GMT

A formal ceasefire agreement for Gaza is scheduled for signing on Thursday in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, with the truce taking immediate effect at 09:00 GMT following the ceremony. The deal, negotiated between Israel and Hamas, will initiate a prisoner exchange process within 72 hours of implementation.

The official signing ceremony will occur at noon local time in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh, with the ceasefire taking effect simultaneously across the Gaza region. Israeli Channel 14 reported that the prisoner exchange operation will begin 72 hours after the formal signing, establishing a clear timeline for the agreement's initial humanitarian provisions.

Israel's Security Cabinet is scheduled to convene at 5:00 PM local time (14:00 GMT) to formally ratify the ceasefire agreement reached with Hamas. This procedural step represents the final domestic approval required before Israeli representatives can formally execute the agreement at the Egyptian-hosted ceremony.

The ceasefire signing follows extensive diplomatic efforts by regional mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, to broker an arrangement that addresses both immediate humanitarian concerns and longer-term stability in the Gaza conflict. The agreement marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict that has drawn international attention and involved multiple negotiation rounds.