GAZA CITY: Israeli forces began withdrawing from several key positions in Gaza on Thursday, marking the start of a long-awaited ceasefire agreement that has brought a rare moment of relief after two years of devastating conflict. Thousands of displaced Palestinians, weary and homeless, began the slow journey back to what remains of their homes, while families of hostages taken on October 7 anxiously awaited word of their release.
According to the Israeli army, troops ceased fire at noon (2pm PKT) as part of preparations for the ceasefire and the return of captives. The army confirmed that its forces were repositioning and reducing their presence in parts of Gaza City and Khan Yunis, where some of the fiercest fighting had taken place.
Gaza’s civil defence agency also reported that Israeli armoured units had pulled back from several forward positions, allowing civilians to move more freely for the first time in months. Witnesses described emotional scenes as families carrying bundles of belongings walked along Gaza’s battered waterfront, hoping to find shelter, neighbours, or fragments of homes that once stood there.
This is the first time in years we can breathe without fear, said one returning resident, clutching a small child. We don’t know what we’ll find, but at least we can go back.
The ceasefire, which followed weeks of international mediation, is being viewed as a fragile but significant step toward ending the prolonged hostilities that have left Gaza in ruins and displaced nearly half of its population.
Humanitarian groups have warned, however, that the road to recovery will be long and uncertain, with basic infrastructure destroyed and medical supplies critically low. International observers are now urging both sides to maintain the truce and pave the way for broader peace talks aimed at securing a lasting solution.