Israeli forces have started pulling back from parts of the Gaza Strip as part of a US-brokered ceasefire and hostage release agreement announced on October 10, 2025. The withdrawal marks the first phase of a three-step plan involving a phased troop pullback to predetermined deployment lines within Gaza, alongside a 72-hour countdown for the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) completed their initial redeployment by noon Friday, officially initiating the ceasefire. This partial pullback reduces Israel’s control from over 80% of Gaza’s territory to roughly 53%, allowing Palestinians to gradually return to evacuated areas like Gaza City and surrounding neighborhoods. Despite the withdrawal, Israeli troops maintain control over key crossings, border points like Rafah, and certain security zones.
The agreement, announced by US President Donald Trump and confirmed by Israeli authorities, also includes the release of all living hostages and the remains of deceased captives within the 72-hour period. In exchange, Israel will free approximately 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, along with 1,700 detainees from Gaza.
The ceasefire follows two years of intense conflict since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel, which triggered a large-scale Israeli military response. Although the ceasefire marks a hopeful step towards peace, uncertainty remains about the full withdrawal timeline and long-term governance arrangements in Gaza.
A multinational force, overseen by the US military and including troops from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE, will monitor the ceasefire. Humanitarian aid deliveries have begun, aiming to alleviate Gaza’s severe humanitarian crisis.