Israeli Military Announces Ceasefire, Troops Begin Withdrawal/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect Friday after Israel’s Cabinet approved a major deal involving hostage-prisoner swaps. Israeli troops began pulling back, while residents cautiously returned north amid lingering shelling. The Trump-brokered plan could mark a turning point in a two-year war, but key questions remain unanswered.
Gaza Ceasefire Announcement Quick Looks
- Israel and Hamas agree to ceasefire, effective Friday at noon
- Israel to release 2,000 Palestinian prisoners for 48 hostages
- Ceasefire follows Cabinet approval and weeks of negotiations
- Tens of thousands of Palestinians begin returning north
- Some shelling continued early Friday despite the announcement
- Over 67,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza during the conflict
- U.S.-backed Trump plan includes long-term Gaza security framework
- Israeli troops begin partial withdrawal, retain 50% control of Gaza
- Five border crossings to reopen, including Rafah
- Ceasefire enforcement to include 200 U.S. troops in Israel
Deep Look
Gaza Ceasefire Takes Effect as Israel and Hamas Agree to Hostage-Prisoner Deal
WADI GAZA, Gaza Strip — Oct. 10, 2025 — A long-anticipated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect Friday at 12:00 p.m. local time, signaling a potential turning point in the brutal two-year war that has devastated Gaza, destabilized the region, and drawn international outcry.
The Israeli military confirmed that a deal had been reached to pause hostilities and exchange 48 remaining hostages in Gaza for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The move comes just hours after Israel’s security Cabinet approved the agreement, and the first steps—Israeli troop withdrawals—began shortly after the announcement.
Tens of Thousands Return North
Following the ceasefire announcement, tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians began moving north from central Gaza, many returning to areas they fled amid heavy bombing.
“It’s confusing—we heard shelling all night even though the ceasefire was coming,” said Heba Garoun, a displaced resident from Gaza City whose home was destroyed.
Reports of artillery fire and air activity continued into early Friday, especially in and around Nuseirat refugee camp and Gaza City, though major bombardments ceased after noon.
“The shelling significantly increased this morning,” said Mahmoud Sharkawy, sheltering in central Gaza.
Despite the chaos, the midday ceasefire held.
A Devastating Conflict
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants launched a cross-border attack, killing about 1,200 Israelis and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s military response has been overwhelming, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting:
- Over 67,000 Palestinians killed
- Nearly 170,000 injured
- About half of casualties are women and children
The ministry is overseen by the Hamas-run government, but the UN and independent agencies recognize its data as credible and the best available.
The conflict also sparked wider instability, drawing in regional actors, igniting protests worldwide, and fueling allegations of war crimes and genocide, which Israel denies.
What the Agreement Includes
According to Israeli and Egyptian officials, the ceasefire plan includes the following components:
Hostage-Prisoner Exchange
- 48 hostages to be released, roughly 20 believed alive
- In return, Israel to release 2,000 Palestinian prisoners
- Not included: High-profile inmates like Marwan Barghouti, considered a top Palestinian leader
- Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya confirmed all women and children in Israeli jails would be freed
Troop Movements and Control Zones
- Israeli troops to withdraw to “agreed-upon deployment lines”
- Israel will maintain control over approximately 50% of Gaza
- Military presence remains along the Israeli-Gaza border
Reopening of Border Crossings
- Five border crossings to reopen, including Rafah (Egypt)
- Aimed at restarting humanitarian aid flows
- UN has 170,000 metric tons of aid ready for delivery
International Monitoring & U.S. Support
- 200 U.S. troops to assist ceasefire implementation in Israel
- Part of a broader international monitoring force
- Security in Gaza to be managed by an Arab-led multinational force
Trump’s Role and Broader Peace Plan
The ceasefire is the centerpiece of a broader peace initiative led by President Donald Trump, who is preparing to travel to the region to participate in the official signing ceremony. The plan envisions a new governance model for Gaza, but leaves significant questions unanswered:
- Will Hamas voluntarily disarm, and how?
- Who will govern Gaza long-term?
- Will the Palestinian Authority play a future role, despite Israeli opposition?
- What is the future of a Palestinian state?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a Friday speech, remained firm:
“Hamas agreed only when the sword was at its neck—and it is still there,” he said.
“If disarmament happens the easy way, fine. If not, we will achieve it the hard way.”
Trump’s plan calls for open-ended Israeli military presence in parts of Gaza, with the Palestinian Authority potentially returning after undergoing extensive reforms. No timeline was given for these changes, and Netanyahu remains firmly opposed to Palestinian statehood.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.