The Israeli military has begun pulling its troops back behind the line agreed under the new Gaza ceasefire deal, signaling a potential shift after nearly a year of devastating conflict.
The move has prompted displaced Palestinian families to begin returning from the southern parts of the enclave to the north, according to reports from the ground.
Israel’s government earlier approved “phase one” of the ceasefire, which includes the exchange of captives and a partial withdrawal from Gaza.
However, questions remain over how this stage will connect to a broader plan for lasting peace in the region.
Khalil al-Hayya, head of Hamas’s negotiating team, said the group has received assurances from the United States and other mediators that the first phase of the deal means “the war in Gaza has ended completely.”
His remarks underscore growing optimism that the ceasefire could bring a halt to one of the region’s deadliest wars in recent history.
The Israeli government’s ratification, confirmed early Friday, sets the stage for hostilities to end within 24 hours, while Hamas has 72 hours to release Israeli captives.
Since October 2023, Israel’s campaign in Gaza has killed at least 67,194 people and wounded 169,890, with thousands more buried under rubble.
In Israel, 1,139 were killed and about 200 taken captive during the October 7 attacks.
