Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
A long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas officially came into effect at noon on Friday, marking a potential turning point in one of the most devastating chapters of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The agreement, brokered in Sharm El-Sheikh through intense Egyptian mediation, includes provisions for a phased Israeli military withdrawal and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The Israeli military confirmed that its forces began withdrawing from parts of Gaza in accordance with the terms of the agreement. By 12:00 p.m. local time, Israeli troops had repositioned to what officials described as “updated readiness lines,” a key clause of the ceasefire arrangement designed to facilitate both de-escalation and humanitarian access.
In a statement, the Israeli army announced that its Southern Command remains active and will “continue to act against any immediate threat,” but emphasized that large units had already exited the Gaza Strip, while others were stationed at new deployment zones along the agreed lines.
According to Israeli media, including the Times of Israel, the full withdrawal is expected to be completed within 24 hours of the Israeli government’s formal ratification of the agreement. Once the pullout is finalized, Israel will still maintain control over approximately 53 percent of Gaza’s territory mostly rural or non-urban areas raising questions about the extent of actual sovereignty returned to Palestinian authorities.
As the ceasefire took hold, thousands of displaced Palestinians began a northward march from southern Gaza, where they had sought refuge during the intense fighting. Along the Al-Rashid coastal road, families many on foot, some with makeshift carts or battered vehicles were seen returning to areas in the north, including Gaza City and surrounding towns. Video footage captured by international agencies showed a steady stream of men, women, and children making the difficult journey back to shattered neighborhoods.
Israeli tanks were seen withdrawing from key positions near the coastal corridor in Netzarim, effectively clearing the way for civilians to cross back into the northern part of the enclave. The Israeli army radio confirmed that movement was now permitted for civilians traveling between the north and south of Gaza.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority (PA) announced its readiness to take a role in administering the Gaza Strip, should the political conditions allow. While the specifics of such a move remain unclear, the PA’s statement comes amid mounting international pressure to establish a viable post-conflict governance framework for the war-torn territory.
Despite the formal declaration of ceasefire, uncertainty lingers. The partial Israeli withdrawal and continued military oversight of large swathes of Gaza indicate that while the active phase of hostilities may have paused, full peace remains elusive. Nonetheless, for many Palestinians returning north, the ceasefire represents a lifeline however fragile and a first step toward reclaiming a semblance of normalcy.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. Infrastructure is in ruins, access to clean water and medical supplies is limited, and entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble. Rebuilding efforts will require not only financial aid and political coordination but also long-term stability something that has remained out of reach in this densely populated coastal strip for decades.
As night falls over Gaza, with Israeli tanks rolling back and families reuniting with the ruins of their homes, the ceasefire holds for now. What comes next will depend not only on the parties directly involved but also on the resolve of the international community to support a durable peace and sustainable recovery for a people who have endured far too much.
