Israeli forces declared a ceasefire and began withdrawing from several positions in Gaza on Friday, marking a potential turning point in the two-year-long conflict as thousands of displaced Palestinians started their journey home.
The Israeli army confirmed that troops had ceased fire at noon “in preparation for the ceasefire agreement and the return of hostages.” Gaza’s civil defense agency reported that Israeli troops and armored vehicles were pulling back from forward positions in Gaza City and Khan Yunis.
Scenes of families walking along Gaza’s waterfront reflected both relief and grief. “We’re going back to our areas, full of wounds and sorrow,” said Ameer Abu Lyadeh, 32, from Khan Yunis. “Even if we return to ruins, at least it’s our land.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that the government had approved the framework of a hostage release deal with Hamas. The ceasefire follows the 20-point peace plan unveiled last month by US President Donald Trump, who is expected to travel to the Middle East on Sunday.
Egypt, which hosted the negotiations, plans to hold an event marking the agreement’s conclusion. Families of 47 hostages taken during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack await their return under the first phase of the deal.
Despite celebrations in parts of Gaza and Israel, key issues remain unresolved — including Hamas’s disarmament and the establishment of a transitional Gaza authority proposed under Trump’s plan. Hamas official Osama Hamdan said the group rejects the idea, while Trump stated that disarmament would be addressed in the next phase.
By Friday afternoon, Gaza’s civil defense reported Israeli withdrawals from Tel Al-Hawa and Al-Shati camps in Gaza City and parts of Khan Yunis. Amid the rubble and dust, displaced residents made their way home — some to ruins, others to memories.
“I’m happy about the truce,” said Areej Abu Saadaeh, 53, as she returned north. “Even though I lost my son and daughter, peace brings a little joy — we are finally going home.”
The Israeli army confirmed that troops had ceased fire at noon “in preparation for the ceasefire agreement and the return of hostages.” Gaza’s civil defense agency reported that Israeli troops and armored vehicles were pulling back from forward positions in Gaza City and Khan Yunis.
Scenes of families walking along Gaza’s waterfront reflected both relief and grief. “We’re going back to our areas, full of wounds and sorrow,” said Ameer Abu Lyadeh, 32, from Khan Yunis. “Even if we return to ruins, at least it’s our land.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that the government had approved the framework of a hostage release deal with Hamas. The ceasefire follows the 20-point peace plan unveiled last month by US President Donald Trump, who is expected to travel to the Middle East on Sunday.
Egypt, which hosted the negotiations, plans to hold an event marking the agreement’s conclusion. Families of 47 hostages taken during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack await their return under the first phase of the deal.
Despite celebrations in parts of Gaza and Israel, key issues remain unresolved — including Hamas’s disarmament and the establishment of a transitional Gaza authority proposed under Trump’s plan. Hamas official Osama Hamdan said the group rejects the idea, while Trump stated that disarmament would be addressed in the next phase.
By Friday afternoon, Gaza’s civil defense reported Israeli withdrawals from Tel Al-Hawa and Al-Shati camps in Gaza City and parts of Khan Yunis. Amid the rubble and dust, displaced residents made their way home — some to ruins, others to memories.
“I’m happy about the truce,” said Areej Abu Saadaeh, 53, as she returned north. “Even though I lost my son and daughter, peace brings a little joy — we are finally going home.”
