GAZA CITY/JERUSALEM, Oct 10, 2025 — A U.S.-mediated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect in Gaza on Friday, halting over two years of conflict that has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) initiated a phased withdrawal from parts of Gaza, including areas of Gaza City, as part of an agreement that includes the release of hostages and prisoners.
Announced on Wednesday by U.S. President Donald Trump, the ceasefire marks the first phase of a plan to address the conflict that began on October 7, 2023, following Hamas’s attack on Israel. The agreement stipulates that Hamas release approximately 20 living Israeli hostages within 72 hours, while Israel will free around 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and about 1,700 others detained since the conflict’s onset. Additionally, up to 600 aid trucks are expected to enter Gaza daily to address a UN-declared famine affecting over 500,000 people.
The IDF’s withdrawal began within 24 hours of the truce, starting with logistical units moving out of Gaza City and northern areas. Combat troops are set to reposition along a dividing line, with Israel retaining control over roughly 53% of Gaza, including buffer zones and southern areas like Rafah and Khan Younis. The IDF stated that the withdrawal aligns with security provisions in the agreement and that operations could resume if the ceasefire is violated.
The conflict has resulted in over 43,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry, and approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths from the initial attack, with 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents displaced. Recent reports from Hamas’s civil defense noted the recovery of over 50 bodies from rubble on Friday, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian challenges.
The ceasefire involves mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE, with a U.S.-led multinational force of 200 troops tasked with monitoring compliance, though no U.S. personnel will be stationed in Gaza. A U.S. Central Command coordination center in Israel will oversee aid distribution and ceasefire enforcement.
Public reactions vary. In Gaza, some displaced residents have begun returning to damaged homes, while in Israel, families of hostages are pressing for swift implementation. Concerns remain on both sides, with some Israeli critics questioning the security implications of the partial withdrawal and Palestinian groups noting that the prisoner releases may not address deeper issues.
The ceasefire’s success hinges on adherence to its terms, with international observers monitoring developments closely as both sides navigate the fragile truce.
