Tens of thousands of people who had gathered in Wadi Gaza in central Gaza in the morning started walking north after the military’s announcement at noon local time. Beforehand, Palestinians reported heavy shelling in parts of Gaza throughout Friday morning, but no significant bombardment was reported after.
The ceasefire marks a key step toward ending the two year war that started after Hamas terrorists massacred more than 1200 Israeli men, women and children on October 7th, 2023. Still, the broader plan advanced by President Donald Trump includes many unanswered questions, such as whether and how Hamas will disarm and who will govern Gaza.
A brief statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office early Friday said the Cabinet approved the “outline” of a deal to release the hostages, without mentioning other aspects of the plan that are more controversial.
Israeli troops have begun to withdraw to agreed-upon deployment lines, the military said. An Israeli security official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the withdrawal, said the military would control around 50% of Gaza in their new positions.
A senior Hamas official and lead negotiator made a speech Thursday laying out what he said were the core elements of the ceasefire deal: Israel releasing around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, opening the border crossing with Egypt, allowing aid to flow and Israeli forces withdrawing.
To help support and monitor the ceasefire deal, U.S. officials said they would send about 200 soldiers to Israel as part of a broader, international team. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details not authorized for release.
