Gaza City: A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas came into effect on Friday at noon local time, marking a significant de-escalation in the ongoing conflict. The Israeli military announced that its forces began withdrawing to agreed-upon lines, and displaced Palestinians began returning to their homes in northern Gaza.
The ceasefire follows the approval of a peace plan brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, which includes provisions for the release of hostages and the exchange of prisoners. The Israeli Cabinet ratified the deal earlier on Friday, paving the way for the cessation of hostilities.
As the ceasefire took effect, thousands of displaced Gazans moved toward northern areas to return to their homes. Ismail Zayda, a 40-year-old resident of the Sheikh Radwan area in Gaza City, expressed relief that his house remained standing, though he noted widespread destruction in neighboring districts.
Despite the ceasefire, the Israeli military issued warnings about the dangers in certain areas. Civilians were advised to avoid regions such as Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahiya, and Shujaiya, where heavy troop deployments persist. Movement from southern to northern Gaza is permitted through designated routes, including the Rashid (coastal) and Salal al-Din corridors.
The implementation of the ceasefire is seen as a critical step toward ending the prolonged conflict and addressing humanitarian concerns in the region. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with hopes that this agreement will lead to a lasting peace.
