A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has finally come into effect in the Gaza Strip, marking a possible end to a brutal two-year conflict that has claimed more than 67,000 Palestinian lives.
The Israeli military confirmed the truce on Friday, October 10, saying its forces had begun to pull back from parts of Gaza in line with the deal approved overnight.
According to Israel’s public broadcaster, KAN, the ceasefire began early Friday following marathon negotiations mediated by the United States, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.
However, Israeli troops remain stationed in some areas, raising questions about how long the fragile peace will hold.
The ceasefire agreement includes the release of all hostages held in Gaza, an Israeli military withdrawal to an agreed point, and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners. U.S. President Donald Trump said all remaining hostages would be freed by Monday or Tuesday, marking the first phase of the peace plan.
In Gaza City, the aftermath of Israeli withdrawal revealed tragedy beneath the rubble.
Health officials said at least 19 bodies were recovered after troops retreated from some parts of the city.
The Health Ministry and the United Nations warned that the actual death toll could be far higher due to the difficulty of recovering bodies in destroyed neighborhoods.
As news of the ceasefire spread, Palestinians in camps and shelters took to the streets waving flags and singing in cautious celebration.
“We are happy just to return to where our homes were, even if they are in ruins,” said displaced resident Mahdi Saqla. “After two years of pain, that alone feels like peace.”
Yet despite the announcement, reports of airstrikes continued in parts of Khan Younis and Gaza City.
The Gaza Civil Defense warned residents not to return to former conflict zones until the Israeli army officially confirms its full withdrawal.
Humanitarian agencies are preparing to move swiftly. The Red Cross said its teams in Gaza, Israel, and the West Bank were ready to help with the exchange of prisoners, hostages, and remains.
UNICEF also announced plans to deliver over 1,300 aid trucks carrying food, medicine, and water to address what it confirmed as a famine in Gaza City.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic leader in Jerusalem, described the suffering in Gaza as “morally unjustifiable.”
He urged the world not to forget the children who have now gone three years without school.
Though the ceasefire brings relief, many remain skeptical. As one Gaza resident put it, “We’ve celebrated truces before.
We just hope this one means peace for real this time.”
CNN.
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