Israel has declared a ceasefire in Gaza and begun withdrawing its troops, marking a critical step toward ending two years of relentless conflict that left thousands dead and much of the territory in ruins. The ceasefire, brokered under a peace plan spearheaded by U.S. President Donald Trump, has raised cautious hopes among both Israelis and Palestinians for a long-awaited period of calm....Click to Read More >>➤

The Israeli military confirmed on Friday that its forces had ceased fire at noon (0900 GMT) “in preparation for the ceasefire agreement and the return of hostages.” The U.S. Pentagon later announced that Israel had completed the first phase of its withdrawal, pulling troops from several key zones while still maintaining control over 53 percent of the Gaza Strip.

The agreement, which took effect amid heightened anticipation, also launched a 72-hour deadline for Hamas to release the remaining Israeli hostages. In return, Israel published a list of 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 Gazans detained since Hamas’s surprise cross-border attack on October 7, 2023 — the assault that reignited the war.

For the first time in two years, displaced Palestinians began a difficult journey home on Friday. Long lines of weary families, many carrying whatever belongings they could salvage, trekked northward from Khan Yunis toward their devastated communities in Gaza City and beyond. The United Nations had earlier warned that Gaza was facing famine conditions due to the blockade and widespread destruction.

Italy confirmed that the European Union mission at the Rafah crossing, between Gaza and Egypt, would reopen on October 14 to allow limited pedestrian movement, signaling a gradual easing of restrictions.

Under the ceasefire terms, Hamas is expected to hand over 47 hostages — both living and deceased — who were taken during the 2023 attack. The remains of one additional hostage, held in Gaza since 2014, are also to be returned.

Gaza’s civil defence agency reported that Israeli troops and armored vehicles were withdrawing from key front-line positions, including parts of Gaza City and Khan Yunis. However, the Israeli military cautioned that some zones remained restricted as forces continued to “adjust operational positions” within the Strip.

“We’re going back to our areas full of wounds and sorrow, but we thank God for this situation,” said 32-year-old Ameer Abu Iyadeh, one of many returning residents, in an interview with AFP from Khan Yunis.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing citizens early Friday, described the truce as a moment of national healing. “Two years ago, the Simhat Torah holiday became a day of national mourning,” he said. “This Simhat Torah, with God’s help, will be a day of national joy, celebrating the return of all our brothers and sisters held hostage.”

Among those eagerly awaiting reunions is the family of Alon Ohel, one of 20 living hostages expected to be released under the deal. “With tears of joy, we received the news that an agreement has been reached,” the family said in a statement.

The truce, signed earlier this week after intensive talks in Egypt, has been welcomed by global leaders. Yet, despite the jubilation, many experts warn that the ceasefire remains fragile, with unresolved political and security issues that could reignite tensions.

Central to these challenges is Hamas’s disarmament and the creation of a transitional governing authority for Gaza, both key components of Trump’s proposed peace roadmap. Hamas has publicly rejected the transitional authority plan, with senior official Osama Hamdan telling Al Araby TV that the group “will not accept any imposed political framework.”

Trump, however, emphasized that the matter of Hamas surrendering its weapons would be addressed in the next phase of negotiations. “The focus now is humanitarian relief and the safe return of hostages,” he said.

Gaza’s civil defence official Mohammed al-Mughayyir confirmed that Israeli forces had started withdrawing from heavily bombarded areas such as Tal al-Hawa and Al-Shati camps in Gaza City, as well as parts of Khan Yunis. Local residents also reported seeing tanks and troops retreating overnight.

For many Gazans, the ceasefire brings a mix of relief and sorrow. “I’m happy about the truce and peace, even though I’m a mother of a son and a daughter who were killed,” said 53-year-old Areej Abu Saadaeh, walking among the ruins of her old neighborhood. “I grieve for them deeply. Yet, the truce also brings joy — returning to our homes.”

Despite widespread destruction, the scenes of families returning to their shattered communities symbolized hope after years of despair. Whether this ceasefire marks the beginning of a lasting peace remains uncertain, but for now, weary residents cling to the fragile promise of normalcy. ...Click to Read More >>➤