Thousands of displaced Palestinians began returning to their homes on Friday after the Israeli military announced a ceasefire and partial withdrawal from Gaza, marking a major step toward ending more than two years of conflict.
The Israeli army confirmed that its troops halted fire at noon (0900 GMT) in preparation for the ceasefire agreement and the return of hostages. Gaza’s civil defence agency also reported that Israel forces and armoured vehicles had begun retreating from positions in Gaza City and Khan Yunis.
Eyewitnesses and AFP journalists observed long lines of men, women, and children trekking along Gaza’s coastal road, many expressing cautious hope about returning to what remains of their homes.
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We’re going back full of wounds and sorrow, but we thank God for this situation, said Ameer Abu Lyadeh, 32, in Khan Yunis. Even if we return to ruins, it’s still our land.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that the government had approved the framework of a hostage release deal with Hamas. The Israeli military said it was adjusting operational positions in the Gaza Strip in line with the new truce.
The agreement follows a 20-point peace plan unveiled last month by U.S. President Donald Trump, who is expected to travel to the Middle East on Sunday. Egypt is also planning an event to celebrate the accord’s signing.
The families of 47 hostages taken during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack are now awaiting their return.
While many celebrated news of the truce, others expressed mixed emotions.
I’m happy about the peace, even though I lost my son and daughter,” said Areej Abu Saadaeh, 53, as she walked through the ruins toward Gaza City. “I grieve for them deeply, but returning home still brings joy.
Palestinian civil defence official Mohammed al-Mughayyir confirmed that Israeli troops had pulled out of Tel al-Hawa and Al-Shati in Gaza City, as well as parts of southern Khan Yunis areas previously subjected to heavy bombardment.
Despite the ceasefire, several critical issues remain unsettled, including Hamas’s disarmament and a proposed transitional authority for Gaza under U.S. oversight.
Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan rejected the idea of a Trump-led authority, while Trump told reporters the question of disarmament would be handled in the second phase of the peace plan, which also envisions further Israeli withdrawals. There will be disarming, Trump said. And there will be pullbacks.
As Gazans cautiously make their way home through debris and dust, and Israelis celebrate in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, world leaders have welcomed the ceasefire as a hopeful but fragile step toward lasting peace in the region.
