Reports: First phase of Gaza ceasefire agreement to take effect at noon on Thursday local time

An agreement covering all provisions and implementation mechanisms related to the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal took effect on Thursday at 12 p.m. local time (0900 GMT), Egypt's Al-Qahera News TV reported.

The report added that communication channels between the delegations are still ongoing to put the final touches on the agreement. Egypt on Thursday dispatched a humanitarian aid convoy to Gaza, its first after the deal was reached on the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

Run by the Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC), it is the fourth aid convoy sent from Egypt to Gaza since July 27, Egypt's Al-Qahera News TV reported.

The convoy, carrying thousands of tonnes of food supplies, including rice, pasta, flour and baby formula, as well as medicines and medical supplies, started its journey amid joy and optimism, said the report.

The convoy passed through the Rafah crossing, the only channel linking the Sinai Peninsula with the Gaza Strip, moving toward the Kerem Shalom crossing for inspection by Israeli authorities before entering the Gaza Strip, said the report.

Earlier on Thursday, mediators in the Israel-Hamas talks announced that an agreement covering all provisions and implementation mechanisms related to the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal had been reached, and a final draft of the agreement was being finalized.

Ceasefire, withdrawal and hostage release

The deal will bring a cessation of fighting, secure the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Hamas has begun relocating Israeli detainees to secure locations in the Gaza Strip in preparation for their handover to the International Committee of the Red Cross in the upcoming days, sources close to the group said on Thursday. Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan said in an interview on Thursday that 250 Palestinian prisoners held under life sentences and 1,700 prisoners who are residents of the Gaza Strip will be released.

A source briefed on details of the agreement said Israeli troops would begin pulling back within 24 hours of the deal being signed.

The announcement of the deal came following three days of indirect talks between Hamas and Israel in Egypt's resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh to negotiate a peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the ceasefire would take effect once ratified by the Israeli government, which would convene after a security cabinet meeting scheduled for 5:00 p.m.

Israel's hostage coordinator, Gal Hirsch, said the list of the Palestinian prisoners to be freed was still being worked out.

ICRC president: Gaza ceasefire critical to saving lives and reuniting families

“A lasting ceasefire is critical to saving lives and breaking the cycle of death and destruction," said President Mirjana Spoljaric of the International Committee of the Red Cross. 

"Our teams are ready to act as a neutral humanitarian intermediary to help bring hostages and detainees back to their families. We are also prepared to bring aid into Gaza and distribute it safely to civilians in desperate need," the President noted.

Residents in Gaza reported a series of air strikes on Gaza City around the time it was due to be signed.

In Gaza, where most of the more than 2 million people have been displaced by Israeli bombing, young men applauded in the devastated streets, even as Israeli strikes continued.

(With input from agencies)