Israeli forces have begun a gradual withdrawal from Gaza following a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, marking the potential end of a bloody conflict that resulted in nearly 47,000 deaths and widespread destruction.
Reports indicate that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are pulling back from Rafah, near the Egypt-Gaza border, as the ceasefire is set to begin. The ceasefire will start on Sunday, with the first phase lasting six weeks. As part of the agreement, hostages will be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners, including those convicted of deadly attacks on Israelis. Hostage releases will occur every week, with four female hostages set to be freed after a week.
Read more: Hamas Accepts Gaza Ceasefire Proposition
During this first phase, Israel will pull back troops from certain positions in Gaza, and displaced Palestinians from northern Gaza will be allowed to return home. While the ceasefire represents a step toward ending the war, the future of Gaza remains uncertain, and rebuilding will require significant resources.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel is prepared to resume military action if ceasefire talks fail, maintaining the right to strike again. Despite the ceasefire agreement, Israeli airstrikes have continued, with over 120 Palestinians killed since the deal was announced. Protests have erupted in Israel calling for more hostages to be released, with ongoing concerns about the agreement’s terms.
