Israeli forces declared a ceasefire on Friday and withdrew from several positions in Gaza, as thousands of displaced Palestinians began the long walk back to their homes and families of October 7 hostages waited anxiously for news.
The Israeli army confirmed it had stopped firing at noon (0900 GMT) “to prepare for the ceasefire agreement and the return of hostages.” Gaza’s civil defence service reported that Israeli troops and armoured vehicles were retreating from forward positions in Gaza City and Khan Yunis, allowing civilians to start returning.
AFP journalists witnessed crowds of Palestinians walking along Gaza’s coastal road, determined to go back despite the devastation left by two years of conflict.
“We’re going back to our areas with deep pain, but we thank God for this chance,” said 32-year-old Ameer Abu Lyadeh in Khan Yunis. “Even if we return to ruins, it’s still our homeland.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Israel had approved the framework for a hostage release agreement with Hamas. The military added that it was “adjusting its operational positions across the Gaza Strip” in line with the truce.
Before the ceasefire took effect, fighting continued briefly. An AFP reporter observed heavy smoke rising from northern Gaza on Friday morning, and Gaza civil defence official Mohammed al-Mughayyir said a municipal worker was killed by Israeli fire.
Israel stated earlier that all parties had signed the first stage of the ceasefire deal during negotiations in Egypt. The agreement stipulates that Hamas must release all remaining Israeli captives, alive or dead, to bring the war to an end.
The truce follows a 20-point peace plan announced last month by US President Donald Trump, who is expected to visit the Middle East on Sunday. Egypt plans to host a ceremony marking the end of the conflict.
Meanwhile, families of 47 hostages taken in the Hamas assault on 7 October 2023 are waiting to be reunited with their loved ones. While celebrations broke out in both Israel and Gaza and world leaders sent messages of support, unresolved issues remain — including Hamas’s disarmament and a proposed transitional administration for Gaza under Trump’s supervision.
Hamas official Osama Hamdan told Al Araby TV that the group rejects the idea of a Trump-led transitional authority. Trump, however, said that Hamas’s disarmament would be addressed in the next phase of the peace plan, adding that “there will be disarming” and “further withdrawals” by Israeli troops.
Those withdrawals appeared to be underway on Friday. “Israeli forces have left several areas of Gaza City,” said Mughayyir, naming Tel al-Hawa, Al-Shati camp, and parts of Khan Yunis among them.
Residents across the territory confirmed that Israeli soldiers had abandoned some of their previous positions.
Long lines of weary Palestinians, weakened by bombardment and near-famine conditions described by the UN, set out from Khan Yunis towards their destroyed homes in the north.
“I’m thankful for the truce, even though I’ve lost a son and a daughter,” said 53-year-old Areej Abu Saadaeh, walking between shattered buildings. “The peace brings both sorrow and hope — but going home still feels like a blessing.”