A long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas officially came into effect early Friday, marking the end of more than two years of intense hostilities in the Gaza Strip. The truce, mediated through extensive diplomatic efforts involving the United States, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, aims to halt one of the most devastating conflicts in the region’s history.
Ceasefire Confirmed After Government Approval
The Israeli military confirmed that a ceasefire is now in force across Gaza, following overnight approval by Israel’s cabinet. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said its troops have begun pulling back in accordance with the terms of the deal.
However, an IDF spokesperson clarified that “troops will continue to be present in various areas of the Gaza Strip,” suggesting that full withdrawal will occur gradually.
Details of the Agreement
Under the terms of the deal, all hostages held in Gaza are to be released in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners. Israeli forces are expected to withdraw to designated points within the enclave, while a formal declaration ending the war is anticipated before the release process is finalized.
Hamas, through senior official Osama Hamdan, stated that “a formal declaration” must be issued confirming the end of the war before hostages are released.
United States officials said about 200 American troops would be sent to the Middle East to monitor the ceasefire implementation, working alongside observers from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. “No U.S. troops are intended to go into Gaza,” another official emphasized. Washington also plans to set up a coordination center in Israel to “support stabilization efforts” during the post-conflict phase.
Okay News reports that approximately 170,000 metric tons of humanitarian supplies — including food, medicine, and emergency relief materials — are ready to be delivered into Gaza as soon as safe corridors are opened.
Humanitarian Agencies on Alert
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced that its teams in Israel and Gaza are prepared to assist in the implementation of the ceasefire, particularly in managing the release of hostages and prisoners.
ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric said, “The coming days are critical… the ceasefire must hold. Lives depend on it,” urging both sides to “honor their commitments.”
She added that the organization was also ready to help repatriate human remains “so families can mourn their loved ones with dignity.”
Reactions and Relief Among Palestinians
Celebrations broke out in several parts of Gaza, including the Nuseirat refugee camp, where residents waved Palestinian flags and chanted slogans of peace after hearing of the truce.
“When we heard the news of the truce, we were very happy, thinking we would return to our homes, rebuild, go back to our schools, and feel reassured and live in peace,” displaced Gaza resident Alaa Al-Madhoun told reporters.
Another resident, Mahmoud Al-Sharif, said he was “happy” about the ceasefire after years of hardship. “We were worn down, but praise be to God in any case. We, truly, and the children were happy that the war stopped, and we want to go back to the north like everyone else. Enough killing, blood, and children constantly dying,” he said.
Mahdi Saqla, another displaced man, echoed the same hope. “We are happy just to return to where our homes were, even over the rubble. That too is a great joy. For two years we’ve been suffering, displaced from place to place,” he said.
A Region in Cautious Recovery
Despite the announcement, humanitarian workers remain cautious. Tess Ingram, a spokesperson for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), said that while initial celebrations were seen in Gaza, the euphoria quickly subsided as residents faced ongoing hardship.
“For many people, they returned to the desperation of just trying to survive; existing in the wasteland that is the Gaza Strip, trying to get food and water, find shelter. That reality persists,” she said, adding that “while they’re cautiously optimistic, they are of course wary about whether this will fully come into place and whether it will be sustained.”
Ingram emphasized that her organization has over 1,300 trucks of aid ready to enter Gaza, with nutrition and healthcare materials topping the priority list. “A famine has been confirmed in Gaza City,” she said. “Repairing water systems, providing shelter, and offering mental health kits are also among our urgent goals.”
Religious and Moral Reflections
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, described the suffering in Gaza as “morally unjustifiable.”
“I don’t have the words… All the words cannot represent what has been for the population of Gaza in this period,” he said. “The horror of the deaths, it’s a crime. A horrific crime. Unacceptable. Morally unjustifiable.”
He further urged the international community to focus on rebuilding hospitals, schools, and water infrastructure, warning that “everything has to be rebuilt anew… don’t forget it’s the third year without school. How do we talk about the future of the children?”
Ongoing Security Caution
Gaza’s Civil Defense organization has urged residents not to return to certain parts of Gaza City until Israel formally confirms its troop withdrawal. “Citizens in the Gaza Strip, especially the residents of Gaza City: We urge you not to approach or return to areas where the occupation forces had been present… until an official announcement is made,” the agency said.
Despite the truce, reports of limited strikes continued in southern areas, including Khan Younis, highlighting the fragility of the new peace.
A New Chapter Begins
While challenges persist, both local and international actors see this ceasefire as a pivotal step toward long-term peace in the region. The world now watches closely as Gaza begins its long journey toward recovery, hoping this truce will hold where others have failed.
