Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Israeli military operations continued in Gaza on Thursday, even as the Israeli government prepares to vote on a ceasefire agreement expected to bring an end to months of devastating conflict. According to Israeli media, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are preparing for a phased withdrawal from Gaza over the coming days and will reduce “non-essential activities” in anticipation of the truce taking effect.
The Israeli news outlet Ynet reported that the army intends to carry out a series of “complementary” airstrikes in the remaining hours before the ceasefire is enacted. These operations are targeting what officials described as “high-value objectives” identified in recent intelligence assessments.
On the ground, the situation remains volatile. The Palestinian Civil Defense in Gaza confirmed that Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple locations across the territory in the early hours of Thursday. Mohammed al-Mughayr, a senior official in Gaza’s Civil Defense, told Agence France-Presse that “since the announcement of the ceasefire agreement proposal last night, there have been several explosions, especially in northern Gaza,” noting in particular a “series of intense air raids” on Gaza City.
These final waves of attacks come just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a breakthrough in negotiations between Israel and Hamas, brokered in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh. Under the deal, a 72-hour ceasefire will be implemented following ratification by the Israeli cabinet, expected Thursday evening.
Countdown to Ceasefire
Phase one of the agreement includes a mutual cessation of hostilities, the return of 20 Israeli hostages believed to be alive, and the release of an undisclosed number of Palestinian prisoners. In addition, the IDF will begin a limited withdrawal from several positions within the Gaza Strip.
Trump hailed the deal as “the first steps toward a strong, durable, and everlasting peace,” and indicated that hostages could be freed as early as Monday.
Despite the optimism surrounding the deal, the final hours before the ceasefire deadline have been marked by heightened military activity. Gaza’s health ministry reported additional casualties overnight, adding to a death toll that has now surpassed 67,000 since October 2023.
An IDF spokesperson issued a stark warning to civilians, advising them not to return to northern Gaza, calling the area “an active combat zone.” Hamas, for its part, cautioned Palestinians to remain vigilant during travel within the Strip, citing continued Israeli operations and a lack of official confirmation on when the ceasefire will formally begin.
A Delicate Transition
The coming days will test the durability of the ceasefire agreement and the political will of all involved parties. While preparations for a pullback signal a shift in military posture, the Israeli government is still contending with internal divisions over the terms of the deal.
Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition, has publicly rejected the agreement. He warned that the release of Palestinian prisoners would empower future militants and argued that Israel must resume its military campaign after the hostages are returned.
Meanwhile, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has welcomed the truce and reiterated that Gaza must ultimately fall under the jurisdiction of a unified Palestinian state. He called for international support to help implement the agreement and pave the way for a broader political resolution.
As warplanes continue to pound Gaza in what appears to be a final offensive push, civilians remain trapped between the hope of peace and the reality of ongoing violence. Whether the ceasefire will truly hold and lead to a lasting resolution remains uncertain.
But after nearly a year of relentless bombardment and humanitarian catastrophe, even the possibility of a pause brings a moment of guarded relief.
