IDF's Givati Brigade withdraws from Jabaliya  – Here's what we know so far

The Israeli military announced Saturday that it is finalizing preparations for the implementation of the hostage release agreement, set to begin Sunday at 8:30 AM. The deal, approved by the government overnight, will see the return of Israeli hostages from Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi conducted a special assessment meeting focusing on operational readiness in both the Southern and Central Commands. As part of the preparations, he ordered increased military presence in the Central Command region, with emphasis on both counter-terrorism operations and enhanced security measures around communities and transportation routes during the prisoner release process.

The IDF is maintaining high alert and implementing a carefully orchestrated deployment plan ahead of tomorrow morning's ceasefire with Hamas, while emphasizing its readiness to resume combat operations if necessary.

Military officials detailed a complex overnight operation to reposition troops from Gaza's urban centers to predetermined lines agreed upon in the ceasefire deal. The IDF's Southern Command is overseeing what it describes as a significant troop movement expected to continue through the morning hours.

"We're prepared for immediate return to fighting if required," a military spokesperson stated, noting that strikes against Hamas infrastructure will continue until the ceasefire takes effect at 8:30 a.m.

In anticipation of potential challenges, the IDF has reinforced both ground forces and air defense systems along the Gaza border. Military analysts assess there's a risk of rocket fire from Gaza both before and potentially during the ceasefire period, though civilian defense guidelines remain unchanged.

The military has also outlined its role in the upcoming hostage releases. According to the plan, the Red Cross will transfer hostages to IDF forces inside Gaza, who will then transport them to one of three military facilities near the border for initial medical screening before escorting them to hospitals for family reunions.

The carefully worded statement emphasized the IDF's readiness to resume operations instantly if the ceasefire agreement collapses or if the second phase isn't implemented as planned after 42 days.

Key Points:

According to Israeli journalist Hillel Bitton-Rosen, IDF's Givati Brigade, one of the military's most storied infantry units, has completed its withdrawal from the Gaza Strip this evening (Motzaei Shabbat), marking the end of what military observers call one of the longest continuous combat deployments in the current conflict.

Unlike previous rotations, the brigade has not received orders to return to Gaza, military sources confirm. The unit, recognizable by their distinctive purple berets, has been at the forefront of some of the most intense fighting since the war began.

Throughout their deployment, the "Purple Brigade" has been credited with numerous successful counter-terrorism operations.

HOW THE IDF IS PREPARING FOR THE GAZA HOSTAGES:

The military is establishing a comprehensive support system for receiving the returning hostages from Hamas captivity. This includes both physical and mental health care provisions, with the IDF's Personnel Directorate and Technology and Logistics Division coordinating to ensure optimal reception conditions with maximum sensitivity to individual needs.

"The IDF is preparing to welcome back the hostages while maintaining operational readiness," a military spokesperson said, noting that the army has developed detailed protocols for receiving the returnees while continuing to address security challenges.

The military stressed that these preparations reflect a dual commitment: facilitating the safe return of the hostages while maintaining the security measures necessary to protect Israeli citizens during this sensitive period.