Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel reserves the right to return to fighting in Gaza against Hamas if it deems it necessary.
In a speech to the Israeli nation, 12 hours before the agreed ceasefire in Gaza is set to begin, Netanyahu said he was awaiting the list of the first hostages released - according to him, this would be the first action expected.
He credited the achievement of the ceasefire to the assistance of American presidents, outgoing Joe Biden and incoming Donald Trump.
He said he was proud to be Israel's leader at this time. Netanyahu said Biden and Trump fully supported the war's goals.
Netanyahu added that Trump will support Israel with all necessary weaponry while the Israelis "reserve the right" to continue fighting if necessary.
"We have changed the face of the Middle East," he said. According to him, Hamas "is now completely alone."
On Saturday, the Israeli government approved a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, after 15 months of fighting.
Under the agreement, the three-phase ceasefire begins with an initial six-week phase when hostages held by Hamas will be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
The Gaza War - which began when Hamas staged the most devastating attack in Israeli history on October 7, 2023, killing hundreds in southern Israel - has sparked a series of other smaller conflicts in the Middle East.
The deal will end a 15-month war between Israel and Gaza's rulers, Hamas. The war has devastated the Strip. It has killed an estimated 47 Palestinians.
