Israel announced a ceasefire in Gaza on Friday and began withdrawing its forces, as tens of thousands of Palestinians returned to what remains of their homes after two years of conflict.
The truce, brokered under a plan supported by US President Donald Trump, has raised hopes among the families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza that it will hold and mark a turning point in the prolonged war.
According to the Israeli military, its troops halted fire at noon (9am GMT) “in preparation for the ceasefire agreement and the return of hostages”. Three hours later, the US Pentagon confirmed that Israel had completed the initial phase of the withdrawal outlined in Trump’s peace framework. Israeli forces are reported to retain control over approximately 53% of Gaza.
The agreement sets a 72-hour deadline for Hamas to release the remaining hostages in its custody. In parallel, Israel has published a list of 250 Palestinian prisoners due for release, along with around 1,700 Gazans detained since Hamas initiated the conflict with its attack on Israel on 7 October 2023.
Palestinians return to devastated neighbourhoods
As the truce took effect, large numbers of Palestinians began travelling north from the southern city of Khan Yunis, returning to areas heavily damaged by the fighting. Rescue workers also began recovering bodies from the debris.
“Since the ceasefire came into effect, 63 bodies have been recovered from the streets of Gaza City and taken to local hospitals,” said Mahmud Bassal, spokesperson for Gaza’s civil defence agency.
Italy announced that the European Union mission at the Rafah border between Gaza and Egypt will reopen a pedestrian crossing on 14 October.
Under the terms of the ceasefire, Hamas will release 47 remaining hostages, both living and deceased from the 251 captured during the October 2023 attack. The remains of one additional hostage, believed to have been held in Gaza since 2014, are also expected to be returned.
Leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany have urged the United Nations Security Council to endorse the agreement.
Gaza’s civil defence confirmed that Israeli troops and armoured vehicles were withdrawing from forward positions in both Gaza City and Khan Yunis. However, Israel cautioned that some areas remain restricted, advising civilians to avoid its forces as they “adjust operational positions in the Gaza Strip”.
Bassal said that approximately 200,000 Palestinians had returned to the north since the ceasefire began.
“We are returning to our areas, carrying our pain but grateful for this opportunity,” said Ameer Abu Iyadeh, 32, in Khan Yunis.
“I just hope my home is still standing,” added 39-year-old Mohammed Mortaja, on his way to Gaza City.
Hostage exchange and political reactions
Earlier on Friday, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed government approval of the hostage-release framework.
“Citizens of Israel, two years ago the Simhat Torah holiday became a day of national mourning,” Netanyahu said, referring to the Jewish festival that begins at nightfall on Monday.
“This Simhat Torah, with God’s help, will be a day of national joy, marking the return of all our brothers and sisters held hostage.”
The family of Alon Ohel, one of 20 living hostages expected to be released, expressed relief at the news, describing themselves as “overwhelmed with emotion” and eagerly awaiting his return.
Despite celebrations in both Israel and Gaza and congratulations from world leaders, significant challenges remain. Key issues include Hamas’s potential disarmament and the proposed transitional authority for Gaza, which would be overseen under Trump’s plan. Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan has rejected the idea of such an authority.
Gaza civil defence official Mohammed al-Mughayyir reported that Israeli forces were retreating from Tal al-Hawa and Al-Shati camps in Gaza City, as well as parts of Khan Yunis areas that had recently seen intense air and ground operations. Residents across multiple areas confirmed that Israeli troops appeared to have withdrawn from several positions held previously.
Areej Abu Saadaeh, 53, who had been displaced earlier in the conflict, was among those returning home.
“I am grateful for the truce and for the chance to go back, even though I lost a son and a daughter,” she said. “It is a step towards peace and rebuilding our lives.”
