'Israel' threatens for Gaza citizens ahead of ceasefire

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
18 Jan 2025 22:34

The Israeli occupation threatens the people of Gaza against going to certain areas and prohibits them from fishing and swimming as it prepares to withdraw from the blockaded strip.

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Palestinians walk along a street market in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025 (AP)

The Israeli occupation forces released a new statement on Saturday regarding the implementation of a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, scheduled to take effect on Sunday, January 19, at 8:30 a.m.

The statement confirmed that Israeli forces would remain stationed in specific areas of the Gaza Strip, warning residents to avoid approaching these zones.

The occupation also issued a direct threat to Gaza residents, emphasizing the dangers of approaching military forces, particularly in the Netzarim axis.

In the southern Gaza Strip, residents were warned against entering areas near the Rafah crossing, the Philadelphi Axis, and other locations where Israeli forces are stationed.

“Approaching Israeli territory and the buffer zone is strictly prohibited and extremely dangerous,” the statement added.

Furthermore, the occupation warned of significant risks to fishing, swimming, and diving in the maritime area along the Gaza Strip's coast.

Deal on Sunday

The Gaza ceasefire is set to take effect on Sunday at 8:30 am local time (0630 GMT), Qatar's foreign ministry announced.

Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed al-Ansari, made the announcement on X: "Following coordination among the parties to the agreement and the mediators, the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will commence at 8:30 am local time on Sunday, January 19."

He also urged residents to "take precaution, exercise the utmost caution, and wait for directions from official sources."

Full Israeli cabinet approves Gaza ceasefire deal

The Israeli government has formally approved a mediated ceasefire agreement with the Palestinian Resistance, following the green light from the smaller security cabinet.

According to Axios, 24 Israeli ministers voted in favor of the deal, while 8 others opposed it.

The news comes on the 470th day of the war on Gaza and after intense rounds of negotiations that led to a multiphase deal.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed that the government approved the deal, which has been heavily scrutinized by Israeli politicians and commentators. Israeli media outlets reported that the agreement will take effect on Sunday.