Israeli military units have started pulling back from select regions of the Gaza Strip, initiating the first stage of a long-awaited ceasefire pact ‘brokered’ by U.S. President Donald Trump. This development follows the Israeli Cabinet's approval of the deal's initial phase, which aims to halt the prolonged conflict that has devastated the area over the past two years. While the truce has sparked cautious optimism, including scenes of celebration in both Israeli and Palestinian communities, reports of lingering military activity highlight the delicate nature of the accord.
The withdrawal process commenced shortly after the ceasefire officially went into force around midday local time on Friday. Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have repositioned to designated lines, often referred to as the "yellow line" on official maps, maintaining oversight of approximately 53% of Gaza's territory, primarily in less densely populated zones. This includes retreats from northwestern edges of Gaza City and other hotspots like parts of Khan Younis, where intense fighting had persisted. The IDF has stated that its troops will continue to address any imminent threats during this transition, emphasising a focus on security while facilitating the agreement's terms.
Thousands of displaced Palestinians from southern Gaza have begun migrating northward, eager to reclaim homes and assess the damage in areas like Gaza City and the Beach Camp. Eyewitness accounts describe crowds walking along coastal routes, carrying belongings amid rubble-strewn landscapes where entire neighbourhoods have been levelled. However, Gaza's civil defence authorities have urged caution, warning residents against approaching zones still occupied by Israeli forces until full clearance is announced, as such actions could endanger lives. Mahmoud Basal, a spokesman for Gaza's civil defence, reported that teams recovered eight bodies from northern rubble on the morning of October 10, operating with limited resources amid the chaos.
Despite the truce, the atmosphere remains tense. Prior to the ceasefire's activation, Israeli airstrikes and artillery continued in locations such as northern Gaza and Khan Younis, with explosions and drone activity noted into the early hours of October 10. President Trump celebrated the breakthrough during a White House address on October 9, declaring, “They are all coming back on Monday,” in reference to the anticipated release of the remaining hostages. He further described the pact as a pivotal moment, noting it would lead to a "strong, durable, and everlasting peace" in the region. Trump plans a brief visit to Israel on October 13 for a ceremonial event at the Knesset, though he will not travel to Gaza itself. US President Donald Trump hailed the agreement as a “momentous breakthrough”. “Last night, we reached a momentous breakthrough in the Middle East... We ended the war in Gaza, and I think it’s going to be a lasting peace, hopefully an everlasting peace,” Trump said. He added that all remaining hostages were expected to be freed “on Monday or Tuesday” as part of the first phase of the deal.
The deal's first phase includes the reopening of five border crossings, such as Rafah, to allow an influx of humanitarian aid, targeting around 600 trucks daily and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Approximately 48 hostages remain in captivity, with about 20 believed to be alive; in return, Israel will free around 250 long-term prisoners and 1,700 recent detainees.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation following Cabinet approval, stating, "We will now act to locate all the kidnapped and fallen as soon as possible." He highlighted resisting "enormous pressure from inside and outside" to secure the terms, framing the upcoming Simchat Torah holiday as a potential "day of national joy." On the Palestinian side, Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya affirmed receiving U.S. assurances that the war has concluded, while a senior negotiator outlined core elements including prisoner releases, aid flows, and Israeli withdrawals.
The broader framework, outlined in Trump's 20-point plan, envisions subsequent phases involving disarmament discussions, an international monitoring force led by the U.S. with Arab participation, and extensive reconstruction efforts estimated to cost billions. A U.S. team of 200 personnel will oversee compliance, though without entering Gaza. International reactions have been positive, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressing gratitude for Trump's initiative and readiness to contribute to a proposed peace council.
As aid organisations like the International Committee of the Red Cross prepare to facilitate exchanges and distributions, UN officials stress the urgency of rebuilding Gaza's shattered infrastructure, including its health system. With over 67,000 Palestinian and 1,200 Israeli lives lost in the conflict, this ceasefire represents a critical juncture.
