File photo courtesy of Jerusalem Strategic Tribune

 

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began at dawn on Friday, leading to a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip have been repositioned, as confirmed by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), which still maintain control over a significant area. Thousands of Palestinians are making their way north, fleeing from the destruction that has gripped the territory recently.

 

The ceasefire followed a deal brokered by US President Donald Trump, which was approved by the Israeli government on Thursday. The agreement involves the release of approximately 250 Palestinian prisoners by Israel, while Hamas is tasked with freeing all Israeli hostages by Monday. The deal involves the remains of 28 hostages and 20 who are thought to be alive.

 

As part of the agreement, humanitarian aid is set to flow into Gaza, aiming to deliver much-needed supplies to residents caught in the ongoing conflict. Around 600 aid trucks are expected to enter daily, although reports on actual distribution remain unclear amidst logistical challenges. This comes after a UN-backed announcement of famine in parts of Gaza, affecting over half a million people, which Israel denies.

 

Eyewitnesses report Israeli troops pulling back from both the north-western outskirts of Gaza City and the Khan Younis area in the south. The IDF declared on social media that it has initiated redeployment, maintaining readiness to address any immediate threats. A map released by the White House showed the new "yellow line," marking areas under Israeli control, which still encompass 53% of Gaza.

 

International reactions are focused on the unfolding humanitarian efforts and the ceasefire’s potential to offer relief. The coming days are crucial for negotiations, with further phases of the agreement in development, aiming for the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarisation of Gaza, although Hamas has not committed to disarming.

 

Meanwhile, Gaza's landscape remains fraught with challenges. Reports tell stories of families undertaking long journeys on foot, carrying their belongings and enduring harsh conditions. Alaa Saleh, a teacher, described the ordeal of relocating his family northwards, facing scarcity of food and water, alongside thousands of others.

 

The impact of the drawn-out conflict is stark, with thousands gathering flags in hand in hopes of a return to normalcy, even as the path forward remains precarious. Israel and Palestinian bodies continue to clash over humanitarian conditions, with disputed narratives on the severity of the situation in Gaza.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• The ceasefire has initiated significant troop movements and raised hopes for humanitarian relief.
• A hostage and prisoner exchange forms a core part of the agreement, with ongoing complex negotiations.
• Palestinians face ongoing difficulties amidst a tenuous calm, as the international community watches closely.

Related Stories:

 

Israel Launches Massive Gaza Strikes Ahead of Major Offensive

Trump Predicts Gaza Hostage Release on Monday or Tuesday

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-10-11

 

 

Fingers crossed 🤞 hope it holds and the hostages returned + food gotten in to the starving families.