Al Arabiya sources revealed new details on Thursday about the first phase of the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, including key security and humanitarian measures.
According to the sources, the Rafah crossing is set to reopen within 72 hours of the official announcement of the ceasefire. Preparations are also underway to bring in heavy equipment to clear rubble and recover the bodies or remains of deceased Israeli hostages inside the Gaza Strip.
The sources added that Israel will begin withdrawing from the Palestinian side of the border starting Thursday evening as part of the initial implementation steps.
Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing to determine which party will manage the Rafah crossing from the Palestinian side, amid efforts to ensure secure and coordinated operations.
Al Arabiya sources also said a joint military task force – comprising Egypt, the United States, Israel, Qatar, and Turkey – is being formed to search for the bodies of hostages believed to be buried under the debris across Gaza.
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas officially went into effect in Gaza on Thursday, Al Arabiya reported, hours after US President Donald Trump announced that a deal was reached between the warring sides.
