IDF Publishes Ceasefire Movement Zones and Prepares for Phase 1 of Agreement

As the ceasefire with Hamas was set to begin on Sunday at 8:30 a.m., the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) released key maps and rules outlining the movement zones for Palestinians during the transition period. This is part of Phase 1 of the ceasefire, a critical stage in the broader hostage-ceasefire agreement that spans 42 days, depending on Hamas's commitment to releasing Israeli hostages.

The IDF has established three primary defensive perimeter lines around Gaza for the upcoming phase. These lines are manned by specific IDF divisions:

- Division 162 will oversee the northern perimeter.

- The Gaza Division will handle the central Gaza area.

- Division 143 will cover the southern perimeter.

The military has emphasized that any violations of these security zones, particularly by Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad forces, will be met with force, including air and ground strikes.

Ongoing Operations Against Terror Infrastructure

In the lead-up to the ceasefire, the IDF has ramped up its attacks on Hamas's terror infrastructure. Military sources indicate that the increased offensive is aimed at neutralizing as much enemy infrastructure as possible before the ceasefire takes full effect.

The ceasefire agreement includes plans for a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from certain areas, including the Netzarim Corridor and the Philadelphi Corridor. The IDF is set to pull back from the Netzarim Corridor by the second week of the ceasefire, with ongoing monitoring of Hamas activity in northern Gaza. The withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor, which is located at the southern Gaza border with Egypt, remains more uncertain and is expected to take place between Day 42 and Day 50 of the ceasefire.

This withdrawal is contingent on further negotiations, particularly regarding the return of hostages in Phase 1 and the potential for new discussions on Gaza's governance post-conflict.

In related news, a recent survey published by Maariv revealed that a slight majority of Israelis believe that the government is partially or fully meeting its war goals. Among coalition voters, 54% thought the government had partially met its goals, while 8% felt they had been fully achieved. However, 36% of respondents believed the government had failed to meet any of its objectives.

The results were more divided among opposition voters, with 46% saying the war goals had been partially met and 45% stating they had not been achieved.

As Israel moves forward with this critical phase of the ceasefire agreement, all eyes remain on the fulfillment of the conditions set for the return of hostages and the future governance of Gaza.