Spanish
Hours before the expected signing for the entry into force of a ceasefire in Gaza, the Civil Defense in the enclave warned this Thursday the population not to try to return to their homes in Gaza City, or conversely to leave the capital, in order to avoid crossing paths with Israeli troops.
"The General Directorate of Civil Defense urges citizens in the southern Gaza Strip who wish to return to Gaza City not to travel or return at this time, unless the competent authorities issue an official statement confirming permission to return," said Civil Defense spokesman Mahmud Basal in a statement.
In addition, the institution asked the city's inhabitants - where the UN estimated yesterday that about 250,000 people remained - not to travel to areas where Israeli forces are still operating "for their safety and to prevent any direct danger."
The statement added that "the occupying forces are still present in several dangerous areas and random movements could seriously endanger the lives of citizens."
In turn, the Gazan government of Hamas also warned the population not to return to their homes until the authorities give instructions to do so, and asked them not to participate in meetings and gatherings.
On the other hand, the Israeli government, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, plans to meet this afternoon to approve the agreement reached in Egypt, a government source informed EFE.
That agreement, which refers to a first phase of the plan and was announced by US President Donald Trump, will entail a ceasefire and the release of the 48 captives in Gaza in exchange for about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
Before the release of the hostages in Gaza, the Israeli Army will have to gradually withdraw to the so-called "yellow line" stipulated by the US, but they will continue to control most of the Palestinian territory.
