Partial Israeli Withdrawal Marks Beginning of Gaza Ceasefire

Sun Oct 19 2025 20:05:10 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Israeli military has partially withdrawn its forces from Gaza following a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, allowing thousands of displaced Palestinians to return amid ongoing humanitarian concerns.

In a significant development, the Israeli military confirmed a partial withdrawal from Gaza in response to a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, effective Friday morning. The ceasefire agreement demands the return of hostages by Hamas and promises limited releases of Palestinian prisoners. While thousands of displaced Palestinians have begun their trek back north, concerns continue to loom over the humanitarian crisis in the region, as aid efforts and infrastructure repair remain plagued by uncertainty.

The Israeli military says it has partially withdrawn troops from parts of Gaza after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas came into effect on Friday morning.

Israeli forces stated they had repositioned to an agreed location within the territory, although half of the Gaza Strip remains under military control.

Footage captures thousands of Palestinians journeying north towards Gaza, a region recently subjected to extensive bombings.

This ceasefire was initiated following the Israeli government's endorsement of US President Donald Trump's proposed ceasefire and hostage return deal, with subsequent phases currently under negotiation.

As part of the agreement, Hamas is expected to release all Israeli hostages—believed to number 20 who are alive, and up to 28 who are deceased—by noon on Monday. In return, Israel is projected to free approximately 250 Palestinian prisoners with life sentences, while an estimated 1,700 detained Palestinians from Gaza are also set to be released.

Under the terms, unrestricted access for aid trucks into Gaza is anticipated to commence, addressing dire humanitarian needs among the population, many of whom have suffered repeated displacements during the ongoing conflict.

Reports suggest around 600 aid trucks may enter Gaza daily beginning Friday, though the specifics of aid distribution post-ceasefire remain unclear. Aid agencies warn that essential supplies such as food, fuel, and clean water are critically lacking, with parts of Gaza having already been declared a famine zone.

Eyewitness accounts detail a situation where Israeli troops retreated from several areas including the northwestern periphery of Gaza City. Some forces were also seen stepping back from locations in Khan Younis.

Though the US special envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed the withdrawal of IDF troops to designated lines, the situation continues to create anxiety within Gaza amid reports of recent airstrikes, contradicting the ceasefire implementation timeline.

Amidst this turmoil, families of hostages in Israel expressed mixed emotions, as the prospect of the ceasefire brought new hope alongside a sense of urgency to recover all abducted individuals.

The background of this conflict dates back to the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in over 1,200 fatalities and significant retaliatory violence, claiming the lives of more than 67,000 Palestinians, including countless children.

Throughout this complex and evolving situation, the overarching goal remains elusive—lasting peace and security for all involved amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.