The Gaza ceasefire will begin on Sunday at 6.30am GMT, it has been announced.

Israel’s military said the agreement will take effect at 8.30am local time and that its troops will implement “operational procedures in the field in accordance with the set agreements”.

It said it had been preparing to receive hostages held by Hamas and will provide them with “suitable physical and psychological support, with careful attention to every detail”.

Qatar, which mediated the deal alongside Egypt and the US, also confirmed that fighting would stop at 6:30am GMT.

A foreign ministry spokesman advised Gaza residents to “exercise the utmost caution” as the deal goes into effect and to wait for directions from official sources.

Israel’s cabinet approved the ceasefire and hostage exchange deal on Friday night, although it had been unclear at what precise time fighting would stop.

Under the deal, 33 Israeli hostages are set to be released over the next six weeks in exchange for almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israel said no prisoners would be freed before 2pm GMT on Sunday.