The Israeli military has announced a partial withdrawal of troops from certain areas in Gaza following the implementation of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. This ceasefire took effect on Friday morning after the Israeli government approved the first phase of a plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, which includes a hostage release and conditions for both parties.
Under the terms of the deal, Hamas is required to release all Israeli hostages by Monday, including individuals believed to still be alive. In return, Israel is set to release around 250 Palestinian prisoners and an estimated 1,700 Palestinians detained in Gaza. The agreement also stipulates that aid lorries will be allowed to deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza, where conditions have become critical. UN experts recently declared a famine in parts of the territory, affecting over 500,000 residents.
Reports indicate that thousands of displaced Palestinians are moving towards northern Gaza, an area that has experienced extensive bombardment. While the Israeli military continues operations to mitigate immediate threats, eyewitness accounts suggest that troops have moved back in various locations including Gaza City and Khan Younis.
As the situation develops, the US plans to deploy up to 200 troops already stationed in the region to help monitor the ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to retrieving hostages, while Hamas stated its governance of Gaza is a matter for Palestinians alone, rejecting any foreign oversight.
During the ceasefire, many families have started returning to their homes, facing severely damaged infrastructure. Reports of food and water shortages persist, complicating the situation for returning residents. In Israel, families of hostages expressed cautious optimism but emphasized the ongoing need for the return of all individuals held.
Additionally, the conflict has seen massive casualties since October 7, with claims of substantial loss of Palestinian life due to the Israeli military’s operations, a statement Israel has categorically denied.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjw7jp2pxnpo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss