DUBAI, UAE - An armed faction within the “Islamic Resistance Movement in Iraq” announced Saturday it is suspending military operations “targeting Israeli sites and interests.”

The move follows the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, reached Wednesday, which includes preparations for a prisoner exchange.

In a statement released Saturday, the Saraya Awliyaa al-Dam faction lauded the agreement, describing it as a victory for the Palestinian resistance.

“Today has come, the day God promised the believers inevitable victory,” the group said. “The hateful Zionist enemy has been brought down, humiliated, and forced to submit to the terms of the Palestinian resistance, which derives its strength from its faith in God and the support of fighters on all fronts to achieve this great victory.”

The group also expressed pride in its role in what it called a “manifest triumph” and said it is halting operations within the occupied Palestinian territories. 

However, it pledged to remain prepared to support Palestinian resistance factions if needed.

The ceasefire in Gaza is set to take effect Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025.

The ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, announced Wednesday, comes after months of high-level negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. The deal, aimed at ending over 15 months of conflict, includes a phased ceasefire and a mutual exchange of hostages and prisoners.

During the first phase, set to begin Sunday, Israel will release 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, while Hamas will free 33 Israeli captives. Additionally, 600 aid trucks will be permitted to enter Gaza daily to address the severe humanitarian crisis. 

Israeli forces will also withdraw from the Rafah border crossing, allowing injured Gaza residents to seek medical treatment abroad.

The Israeli Security Cabinet ratified the agreement Friday, emphasizing its alignment with the country’s war objectives. Despite accusations of Hamas reneging on terms, the deal remains supported by key international mediators, with Qatar, Egypt, and the US overseeing its implementation.

This agreement seeks to halt a devastating conflict that has claimed over 46,500 lives and injured more than 109,000 people, marking a critical step towards de-escalation and potential long-term peace negotiations.