Israeli forces declared a ceasefire and began withdrawing from key positions in Gaza on Friday, allowing thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to their homes after two years of devastating conflict.
The truce marks a major turning point following the prolonged war triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack.
According to the Israeli military, troops halted fire at noon (0900 GMT) “in preparation for the ceasefire agreement and the return of hostages.” Gaza’s civil defence agency confirmed that Israeli soldiers and armoured vehicles were retreating from areas in both Gaza City and Khan Yunis. Many Palestinians, long confined to makeshift shelters, were seen walking home along Gaza’s waterfront.
Hope Amid Destruction
“We’re going back to our areas, full of wounds and sorrow, but we thank God for this situation,” 32-year-old Ameer Abu Lyadeh told AFP in Khan Yunis. “God willing, everyone will return to their areas. We’re happy, even if we return to ruins with no life, at least it’s our land.”
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced that the government had approved a framework for a hostage release deal with Hamas. The army confirmed it was “in the midst of adjusting operational positions in the Gaza Strip.”
Despite the ceasefire declaration, some clashes continued on Friday morning. AFP footage from the Israeli side showed heavy plumes of smoke and dust rising over northern Gaza. Gaza civil defence official Mohammed al-Mughayyir reported that a municipal worker had been killed by Israeli fire.
Israel stated earlier that all parties had signed the first phase of the ceasefire agreement during talks in Egypt, adding that Hamas’s release of remaining Israeli captives—both alive and dead, would “bring the end to this war.”
A Fragile Peace
The ceasefire follows a 20-point peace plan introduced last month by US President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to travel to the Middle East on Sunday. Egypt is preparing to host a ceremony marking the peace deal, while families of 47 Israeli hostages taken during Hamas’s October 7 attack await the safe return of their loved ones.
Although celebrations erupted across both Israel and Gaza, key issues remain unresolved, including the disarmament of Hamas and the proposed transitional authority for Gaza under Trump’s plan. Hamas official Osama Hamdan told Qatar-based Al Araby TV that the movement rejects such an arrangement.
Trump said that disarmament would be addressed in the “second phase” of the plan, adding that Israeli troops would also make “pullbacks.” Those withdrawals appeared to be underway on Friday, with Mughayyir confirming Israeli exits from Tel al-Hawa and Al-Shati camps in Gaza City, as well as parts of Khan Yunis.
Return of the Displaced
Across Gaza, residents reported seeing Israeli forces vacate positions held as recently as Thursday. Long columns of displaced Palestinians, many weakened by hunger and grief, began making their way northward from Khan Yunis toward their devastated communities.
Fifty-three-year-old Areej Abu Saadaeh, who lost a son and daughter in the conflict, was among those returning. “I’m happy about the truce and peace, even though I’m a mother of a son and a daughter who were killed and I grieve for them deeply,” she said. “Yet, the truce also brings joy: returning to our homes.”
What you should know
Israel’s ceasefire and troop withdrawal mark the first major step toward ending two years of brutal warfare in Gaza.
Displaced Palestinians are finally returning home amid widespread destruction, while global leaders watch closely as peace efforts, led by US President Donald Trump, move into their next phase.
