Israeli troops begin withdrawal as Gazans return to ruins

After two years of bloody conflict, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect, and on Friday thousands of displaced Gazans began returning to their destroyed homes. Israeli forces are gradually pulling back from their positions, resulting in a wave of people returning to Gaza City and surrounding areas, Reuters reports.

The Israeli military confirmed that the ceasefire went into effect at 12:00 pm local time (9:00 am GMT), following early morning approval by the Israeli government for the first phase of the ceasefire. This initial stage paves the way for a partial troop withdrawal and the eventual implementation of a full ceasefire within 24 hours.

Under the agreement, Hamas is expected to release 20 Israeli hostages alive within 72 hours. Israel, in turn, will release 250 long-term Palestinian prisoners and approximately 1,700 others detained during the conflict.

Once the agreement is in place, hundreds of trucks carrying food and medical supplies will enter Gaza, providing critical aid to millions who have been living in makeshift tents, according to United Nations officials.

As part of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, Israeli forces will withdraw from several key urban areas of Gaza, although they will continue to control nearly half of the territory.

Speaking on television, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israeli troops will remain in Gaza until disarmament is confirmed. “Peacefully, if possible; otherwise, we will achieve it through tougher means,” he said.

In southern Gaza’s Khan Yunus region, Israeli forces have begun pulling back from the eastern areas, though tank fire has been reported in some zones. Similarly, in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, some troops have moved toward the border, though early morning gunfire was heard. Israeli forces have also vacated roads leading toward Gaza City along the Mediterranean coast.

Over the past two years, Israeli operations in Gaza have killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, including around 20,000 children. Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage.

Hamas confirmed that 20 living hostages will be released promptly, though retrieving the bodies of deceased hostages may take longer. Implementation of the ceasefire still faces challenges, including the lack of a published prisoner exchange list. Hamas also seeks the release of top Palestinian leaders detained in Israel.

No final agreement has yet been reached on post-war governance in Gaza or Hamas’s future role, part of the next phase of Trump’s 20-point plan. The Hamas Ministry of Interior said security forces will be deployed in areas vacated by Israeli troops, though it is unclear if fighters will return to the streets.

President Trump is scheduled to visit the Middle East on Sunday, likely to attend the final agreement signing in Egypt. Israeli Parliament Speaker Amir Ohana has invited him to address the Knesset.