In a significant step toward peace, Israel has started pulling back its military forces from parts of Gaza following the formal approval of a groundbreaking ceasefire and hostage release agreement brokered by US President Donald Trump.
The deal, announced after three days of indirect talks in Egypt, ushers in the first phase of a 20-point peace plan to end the two-year conflict that began with the Hamas assault on southern Israel in October 2023. Under the agreement, Israel will withdraw its troops to a designated “yellow line,” retaining control of roughly 53-60% of Gaza territory. This phased Israeli withdrawal paves the way for a ceasefire intended to halt hostilities.
A key element of the deal is the release of 20 surviving Israeli hostages held by Hamas within 72 hours, alongside the return of the bodies of deceased captives. In return, Israel will free some 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including both life-sentenced inmates and detainees from Gaza. The prisoner exchange is expected to include prominent figures but exclude certain individuals deemed a security threat by Israel.
Humanitarian aid is set to flow into Gaza on a large scale, with an initial minimum of 400 truckloads of essential supplies each day, ramping up to 600 daily, according to the plan. This aid aims to alleviate the severe famine conditions in the region, which has been devastated by prolonged fighting.
The ceasefire will be monitored by a multinational force of about 200 troops, overseen by the US military but primarily composed of soldiers from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE, ensuring compliance from both sides without deploying American forces on the ground.
Despite reports of some continued Israeli airstrikes shortly after the deal’s implementation, the ceasefire marks a hopeful milestone in efforts to end the bloodshed which has caused over 67,000 Palestinian casualties and profound suffering on all sides.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the cabinet’s formal approval early Friday, while Hamas officials welcomed the agreement as a step toward peace. US President Trump, who played a central role in brokering the deal, expressed optimism that this phase could lead to lasting peace in the volatile region