Gaza Ceasefire Begins as Israel Withdraws Troops, Palestinians Return

Israeli forces declared a ceasefire and began withdrawing from several positions in the Gaza Strip on Friday, marking a significant moment as thousands of displaced Palestinians started returning to their homes. The Israeli military announced that its troops ceased fire at noon (09:00 GMT) “in preparation for the ceasefire agreement and the return of hostages.” This development follows intense negotiations and a series of agreements facilitated by international efforts.

The civil defence agency in Gaza reported that Israeli troops and armoured vehicles were retreating from areas in both Gaza City and Khan Yunis. Displaced civilians expressed relief as they embarked on their journey back home after enduring two years of conflict. Thousands were seen walking along the Gaza waterfront, hopeful yet aware of the devastation awaiting them.

Ameer Abu Lyadeh, a 32-year-old resident, spoke to reporters about the emotional complexity of returning. “We’re going back to our areas, full of wounds and sorrow, but we thank God for this situation,” he said. His sentiments echoed the mixed emotions of many who are returning to what remains of their neighborhoods. “We’re happy — even if we return to ruins with no life, at least it’s our land.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the government approved a framework for a hostage release deal with Hamas. The military noted it was adjusting its operational positions in the region. Prior to the ceasefire announcement, there were reports of continued fighting, with videos showing plumes of smoke rising above northern Gaza.

Israeli military spokespersons stated they were verifying reports of new strikes even as the ceasefire took effect. Mohammed al-Mughayyir, a civil defence official in Gaza, reported that a municipal worker had been killed by Israeli fire, highlighting the ongoing risks in the region.

The ceasefire agreement followed a series of discussions held in Egypt, where all parties reportedly signed the first phase of a peace plan. This plan aims for Hamas to release its remaining Israeli captives, both alive and deceased, which would pave the way for further negotiations. The agreement is tied to a 20-point peace initiative proposed last month by Donald Trump, who is scheduled to visit the Middle East soon.

As celebrations spread across Israel and Gaza, with leaders from various nations offering congratulations, key issues remain unresolved. These include Hamas’s disarmament and the establishment of a transitional authority for Gaza, a proposal that a senior Hamas official, Osama Hamdan, has publicly rejected.

Trump indicated that the matter of disarming Hamas would be addressed in subsequent phases of the peace plan. “There will be disarming,” he told reporters, emphasizing the need for “pullbacks” by Israeli forces, which appeared to be in progress on Friday.

Reports from Gaza indicated that Israeli forces had pulled back from several locations, including Tel al-Hawa and Al-Shati, areas that had seen heavy military operations. As residents began the arduous trek back to their homes, the reality of their situation became apparent. Many faced the daunting task of navigating through rubble and debris, remnants of the conflict.

Areej Abu Saadaeh, a 53-year-old woman displaced early in the conflict, reflected on the bittersweet nature of the ceasefire. “I’m happy about the truce and peace, even though I’m a mother of a son and a daughter who were killed and I grieve for them deeply,” she shared. “Yet, the truce also brings joy: returning to our homes.”

As families reunite and begin the process of rebuilding, the path toward lasting peace remains fraught with challenges and uncertainties. The international community will be watching closely as both sides navigate this fragile situation.