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IDF says it thwarted attempts to violate Gaza ceasefire

Besides, "masked suspects were identified approaching IDF troops," the IDF press service said

TEL AVIV, January 22. /TASS/. Isolated groups of Palestinian radicals attempted to violate a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, but the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) thwarted the threat, the IDF press service said.

"Over the past day, IDF soldiers operated against threats posed to the soldiers in the Gaza Strip, despite the terms of the ceasefire that came into effect," the press service said in a statement.

"In the southern Gaza Strip, IDF troops operating in the area in accordance with the terms of the ceasefire agreement identified several armed suspects who posed a threat to the troops. The IDF troops in the area operated to thwart the threat and eliminate the Islamic Jihad terrorist Akram Atef Farhan Zanon," it said.

Besides, "masked suspects were identified approaching IDF troops," in a number of other areas, and warning shots were fired to distance them.

"The IDF is determined to fully maintain the terms of the agreement in order to return the hostages. The IDF is prepared for any scenario and will continue to take all necessary actions to thwart any immediate threat to IDF soldiers," the statement says.

"The IDF calls the Palestinians to follow its instructions and avoid approaching the troops deployed in the area," it says.

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said late on January 15 that thanks to the mediatory efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages held in the enclave. During the first 42-day phase of the deal, Hamas will release 33 hostages in exchange for Israel freeing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The agreement came into effect on January 19. The first three Israeli hostages were released on the same day.