Israeli forces declared a ceasefire and began withdrawing from several positions in the Gaza Strip on Friday, paving the way for thousands of displaced Palestinians to begin returning to their homes. Meanwhile, families of hostages taken during the October 7 attack by Hamas anxiously awaited news of their loved ones.
The Israeli military confirmed that its troops ceased fire at noon (0900 GMT) “in preparation for the ceasefire agreement and the return of hostages.” Armoured units and infantry began pulling back from key areas, including Gaza City and Khan Yunis, according to Gaza’s civil defence agency.
Across the battered territory, scenes of cautious hope unfolded. AFP journalists reported seeing thousands of civilians trekking along the Gaza waterfront, many carrying belongings as they returned to neighbourhoods devastated by nearly two years of intense conflict.
‘Wounds and sorrow’
“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 Lyadeh in Khan Yunis. “God willing, everyone will return to their areas. We’re happy — even if we return to ruins with no life, at least it’s our land.”
The Israeli government announced it had approved a framework for a hostage release deal with Hamas. The military confirmed it was “in the midst of adjusting operational positions in the Gaza Strip” in response.
While the ceasefire officially began at midday, sporadic fighting was still reported earlier in the day. An AFP video journalist filming from inside Israel observed large plumes of smoke rising from northern Gaza. Gaza civil defence official Mohammed al-Mughayyir said one municipal worker was killed in Israeli fire shortly before the truce took effect.
Israeli officials have said all parties had signed the first phase of the ceasefire agreement during talks in Egypt this week. The deal includes the release of hostages taken during the Hamas-led incursion on October 7, 2023, in exchange for a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Trump’s peace plan and remaining tensions
The ceasefire follows a 20-point peace proposal announced last month by former US President Donald Trump, who is reportedly set to visit the region on Sunday to support implementation of the plan. Egypt is preparing to host a ceremonial event to mark the agreement.
However, several critical issues remain unresolved, including Hamas’s disarmament and the future governance of Gaza. Trump’s proposal includes the formation of a transitional authority in Gaza, a provision that has already been rejected by Hamas.
Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan told Qatar-based Al Araby that the group would not accept the disarmament or the proposed transitional administration. Trump, speaking to reporters, said disarmament would be addressed in the second phase of the plan. “There will be disarming,” he said, adding that Israeli “pullbacks” were also part of the agreement, some of which appeared to be underway on Friday.
Pullbacks and tentative relief
According to Mughayyir, Israeli forces have withdrawn from parts of Gaza City, including the Tel al-Hawa and Al-Shati refugee camps — both areas that have experienced weeks of fierce bombardment and fighting. Pullbacks were also reported in Khan Yunis in the south.
Residents of several neighbourhoods confirmed to AFP that Israeli troops had vacated positions they occupied as recently as Thursday.
As the military presence thinned, long columns of Palestinians — many weary from years of violence and recent famine conditions described by the UN — began making their way north from Khan Yunis, some returning for the first time in months.
Among them was 53-year-old Areej Abu Saadaeh, who lost two children in the conflict.
“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 said. “Yet, the truce also brings joy, returning to our homes.”
Despite a flood of international praise for the ceasefire and cautious celebrations on both sides, the path ahead remains uncertain. Key elements of the agreement — including the full release of hostages, disarmament, and long-term governance in Gaza — are yet to be resolved.
AFP
