Reuters news agency reported, citing a source described as well-informed, that the Israeli occupation army will complete the first phase of the partial withdrawal within the first 24 hours of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli army stated that Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir issued orders to his forces to prepare “with strong defensive power and readiness for every scenario,” and also instructed preparations to lead the upcoming operation to return hostages “with sensitivity and professionalism,” following the announcement of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

US President Donald Trump announced in a television interview on Wednesday, following Israel and Hamas reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, that the United States “will be part” of the process of “maintaining peace” in the Palestinian territory devastated by two years of war.

Trump told Fox News: “We believe that the Gaza Strip will be a much safer place, it will be rebuilt, and other countries in the region will help with reconstruction because they have huge wealth and want it to happen. We (the United States) will be part of that to help them succeed and to help maintain peace there.”