The Israeli military has partially withdrawn troops from Gaza following a ceasefire agreement with Hamas that came into effect on Friday morning. The IDF confirmed its troop repositioning to an agreed area, maintaining control over approximately half of the Gaza Strip.
As a result of the ceasefire, thousands of Palestinians have begun to move north towards areas heavily bombarded in recent months. Footage from the region shows families carrying their belongings, reflecting the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The ceasefire stems from negotiations led by the Israeli government, primarily influenced by a ceasefire and hostage return plan proposed by US President Donald Trump. The deal outlines that, by Monday, Hamas must release all Israeli hostages, while Israel is expected to free about 250 Palestinian prisoners.
The provision of humanitarian aid has also been addressed, with expectations that around 600 aid trucks will enter Gaza daily, providing much-needed relief to those affected by rising famine conditions.
As civilians start returning to their homes, many areas remain uninhabitable, with inhabitants expressing desperation. Eyewitness accounts highlight the struggles of families attempting to navigate the dangerous and challenging conditions as they strive to return to their communities, amidst reports of continuous military activities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed the commitment to ensuring the safe return of all hostages while maintaining military readiness against Hamas. The situation remains complex as the ceasefire continues, emphasizing the critical need for sustained humanitarian efforts and resolution to this prolonged conflict.
