A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect at noon local time, marking the beginning of the end of the brutal war that has lasted more than two years. The development also brings the hostages one step closer to returning home.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said on Friday morning that US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that Israel had completed the first phase of the withdrawal and that Hamas’ 72-hour period to release the hostages had begun.
The Israeli government approved and signed the deal overnight, local time, and initiated a 24-hour countdown clock, during which time troops had to withdraw to a predetermined position.
“Following the instructions of the political echelon and as a result of the situation assessment, the IDF has begun operational preparations prior to the implementation of the agreement. As part of this process, preparations and a combat protocol are underway to soon transition to adjusted lines of deployment. The IDF continues to be deployed in the area and is prepared for any operational development,” the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) wrote on X.
TRUMP Peace Deal establishes 72-hour countdown for Hamas to release 48 hostages from Gaza
Israeli soldiers stand on military vehicles on the Israeli side of the Israel-Gaza border on October 10, 2025, after the Israeli government ratified a deal with Hamas. (Shir Torem/Reuters)
Hours later, the IDF confirmed that the ceasefire had begun and that troops had positioned themselves “along the updated deployment lines.”
Although Israel’s presence in Gaza has diminished, the peace deal stipulates that the country will still occupy 53% of the enclave until the next phase.
IDF spokesman Colonel Avichay Adraee sent a statement in Arabic about the exact situation on the ground. He warned Palestinians against approaching IDF forces as it “endangers your life.” Adraee also said that the northern part of the Gaza Strip remains “extremely dangerous,” especially the areas of Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahiya, Shejaiya and any other area with a “concentration of forces.” Other areas included in the warning were the Rafah Crossing and the Philadelphi Corridor.
“Do not move towards Israeli territory or approach the security zone. Approaching the security zone is extremely dangerous. For your safety, do not begin entering these areas until official approval has been granted,” Adraee said in his message.
Now that the IDF has completed its repositioning, Hamas has 72 hours to release all hostages, living and dead. This includes the bodies of American citizens Omer Neutra and Itay Chen.
Palestinians, who were expelled to the southern part of Gaza on Israel’s orders during the war, are moving out after arriving in Gaza City after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza came into effect on October 10, 2025. (Ebrahim Hajjaj/Reuters)
WORLD LEADERS PRAISE ‘LANDMARK’ ISRAEL-HAMAS PEACE DEAL MEDIATED BY US: ‘NEW HORIZON OF HOPE’
President Donald Trump said during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday that he expected the hostages to be home Monday or Tuesday. The president also announced that he would travel to the Middle East for the official signing of the agreement.
“We have secured the release of all remaining hostages, and they should be released Monday or Tuesday,” Trump said, adding that the day the hostages return “will be a day of rejoicing.”
People walk past posters of hostages held by the Gaza-based terror group Hamas in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, Israel, on October 10, 2025. (AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty Images)
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On Wednesday, hours after announcing that Israel and Hamas had signed the first phase of the deal, Trump spoke with relatives of hostages held in Gaza. The families thanked the president and praised him for brokering a deal that would bring their loved ones home after more than two years in captivity.
