By: The Trek News Desk
The Israeli military on Friday confirmed that a ceasefire in Gaza has officially come into force, marking the first major step toward halting months of deadly conflict. Under the deal approved by Israel’s government overnight, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have begun withdrawing from several areas across the Gaza Strip.
An IDF spokesperson said, “Our forces are pulling back in line with the agreement, though some units will remain in designated zones inside Gaza.”
Key Terms of the Ceasefire Agreement
The truce includes three central components:
- The release of all hostages,
- The withdrawal of Israeli troops to agreed boundary points, and
- The release of some Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas has stated it will not begin releasing hostages until a “formal declaration ending the war” is issued.
U.S. to Monitor Implementation
According to senior U.S. officials, 200 American troops will be deployed to the Middle East to assist in overseeing the implementation of the plan, working alongside soldiers from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.
Officials emphasized that no U.S. troops will enter Gaza, describing their mission as strictly supervisory.
After Withdrawal, Bodies Recovered in Gaza City
In the aftermath of Israel’s partial withdrawal, at least 19 bodies of Palestinians were recovered from the rubble in parts of Gaza City, said Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of Al-Shifa Hospital.
“For weeks, we could not reach certain areas,” he said. “Only now are we finding the dead.”
The Palestinian Health Ministry estimates that over 67,000 people have been killed since the war began. The United Nations and human rights groups believe the true death toll could be significantly higher, given the difficulty of retrieving bodies trapped under collapsed buildings.
Red Cross Steps in to Facilitate Aid and Prisoner Exchange
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said its teams in Israel and Gaza are ready to help implement the ceasefire and assist with the expected exchange of hostages and prisoners in the coming days.
“These next few days will be critical; the ceasefire must hold. Lives depend on it,” said ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric, urging both Israel and Hamas to uphold their commitments.
The organization will also help return the remains of those killed, enabling families to grieve “with dignity,” she added.
Fragile Hope Amid Uncertainty
The ceasefire, the result of intense regional and international mediation, offers a rare moment of respite in a conflict that has devastated Gaza’s population. However, aid groups and residents warn that the situation remains precarious, and maintaining peace will depend on sustained cooperation from all sides.
Source: News Agencies
