Israel Begins Withdrawal from Gaza Under Ceasefire Deal
For the first time since the genocide began, displaced Palestinians allowed to return through Rafah as aid convoys set to enter Gaza daily
Palestine, PUREWILAYAH.COM — Israel has begun withdrawing its forces from the Gaza Strip under the ceasefire and prisoner-exchange agreement reached with Hamas.
According to Israeli media reports on Friday, Brigade 188 has started to withdraw, with all Israeli forces expected to position themselves along the withdrawal lines outlined in the agreement.
The deal allows forcibly displaced Palestinians to return to Gaza through the Rafah crossing, while 600 aid trucks are expected to enter the Strip daily.
The 72-hour deadline for Hamas to release Israeli captives will begin once Israeli troops are positioned along the designated lines, with the captives expected to be released by Monday at the latest.
For the first time since the outbreak of the genocide, Israel will allow Gaza residents who had been forcibly displaced to return to their homes through Rafah. The agreement also includes the daily entry of humanitarian aid convoys.
Wider Context
Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Israeli forces have completed the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip ahead of the 72-hour countdown for the release of captives. The operation is expected to conclude at 12:00 noon, at which point the ceasefire will officially come into effect, formally ending the war.
The Israeli Forces announced that all military outposts and infrastructure within the Gaza Strip have been dismantled. The Southern Command described the operation as a major logistical effort involving thousands of pieces of equipment, including industrial generators, antennas, observation posts, and soldier housing.
Hundreds of trucks, bulldozers, and engineering vehicles were deployed to carry out the withdrawal. Israeli forces are now stationed in newly established outposts along the reinforced buffer zone on the border.
Military sources noted that two outposts remain east of the previously announced yellow line. The 72-hour countdown for the return of captives officially began at midnight Friday.
According to the agreement, the Palestinian Resistance has until Monday at 12:00 to release the captives. The withdrawal marks a major step in the agreement brokered to end the two-year genocide in Gaza. (PW)