A ceasefire between factions became effective at 12:00 p.m. local time, signaling the near conclusion of a brutal conflict spanning over two years. This development also moves the hostages closer to their eventual return home.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced Friday morning that U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed Israel’s completion of its initial withdrawal phase, commencing Hamas’s 72-hour period for hostage release.
The Israeli government gave its approval and signed the agreement overnight, local time, initiating a 24-hour countdown for troops to relocate to pre-specified positions.
“Acting on instructions from the political leadership and based on a situational assessment, the IDF has initiated operational preparations for the agreement’s implementation. As part of this process, preparations and a combat protocol are being established to transition to adjusted deployment lines shortly. The IDF remains positioned in the area and ready for any operational developments,” the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated on X.
Several hours afterward, the IDF confirmed that the ceasefire had begun and that its forces were positioned “along the updated deployment lines.”
Although Israel’s military presence in Gaza has been reduced, the peace accord stipulates that it will continue to occupy 53% of the enclave until the subsequent phase.
IDF spokesperson Col. Avichay Adraee issued a statement in Arabic detailing the precise situation on the ground. He cautioned Palestinians against approaching IDF troops, emphasizing that doing so “endangers your life.” Adraee further noted that the northern Gaza Strip remains “extremely dangerous,” particularly areas such as Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahiya, Shejaiya, and any other location with a “concentration of troops.” The warning also encompassed the Rafah Crossing and the Philadelphi Corridor.
“Do not advance towards Israeli territory, and avoid approaching the security zone. Entering the security zone is extremely hazardous. For your safety, do not begin moving to these areas until official permission has been granted,” Adraee conveyed in his message.
With the IDF having completed its repositioning, Hamas is now obligated to release all hostages, both living and deceased. This includes the remains of U.S. citizens Omer Neutra and Itay Chen.
The U.S. will not be deploying troops to Gaza; however, two U.S. officials informed that 200 CENTCOM troops will be dispatched to Israel to help oversee the ceasefire. These officials specified that their role would involve facilitating security and humanitarian flows, and monitoring the deal’s execution, including transportation, logistics, and engineering.
President stated during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday that he anticipated the hostages would be home by Monday or Tuesday. The president also announced plans for a trip to the Middle East for the official signing of the agreement.
“We have secured the release of all remaining hostages, and they are expected to be released on Monday or Tuesday,” Trump commented, adding that the day of the hostages’ return would “be a day of joy.”
On Wednesday, mere hours after the announcement that Israel and Hamas had signed the first phase of the agreement, Trump held discussions with family members of hostages held in Gaza. The families expressed their gratitude to the president and commended him for securing a deal that would bring their loved ones home after more than two years in captivity.