Israeli troops began withdrawing from parts of Gaza on Friday following the ratification of a ceasefire deal with Hamas. The agreement, brokered under U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace initiative, calls for the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the gradual pullout of Israeli forces. The move comes after two years of intense warfare that has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians and left Gaza in ruins.
Why It Matters:
The ceasefire marks the most significant step toward ending one of the deadliest conflicts in the region’s history. For Israel, it offers a path to recover remaining hostages and ease mounting international isolation. For Gaza, it brings a glimmer of relief amid catastrophic destruction and humanitarian collapse.
The deal also represents a major diplomatic win for Trump, who has sought to frame it as a breakthrough for regional stability though many hurdles remain, including questions about postwar governance and Hamas’ future role.
On the Ground:
Gazans cautiously returned to neighborhoods in ruins, with sporadic gunfire still echoing through some areas. “Thank God my house is still standing,” said one resident in Gaza City. “But the place is destroyed.” Rescue workers began recovering bodies from previously unreachable areas as limited aid started trickling in.
Political Reactions:
Hamas leader Khalil Al-Hayya said he received guarantees from the U.S. and mediators that “the war is over.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed cabinet approval of the ceasefire framework, while far-right coalition members criticized the decision to negotiate with Hamas. Arab nations and Western allies broadly welcomed the deal as a potential turning point.
What’s Next:
The first phase of the agreement is expected to see the release of hostages and prisoners within days, followed by a phased Israeli withdrawal. U.S. troops, alongside Egyptian, Qatari, Turkish, and Emirati forces, will form a 200-member joint task force to oversee Gaza’s stabilization. Trump is expected to travel to the region Sunday, possibly attending a signing ceremony in Egypt. However, challenges remain from enforcing the ceasefire to rebuilding Gaza and determining who will govern it once the guns fall silent.
With information from Reuters.
