Israel Withdraws Troops as Gaza Ceasefire Initiates; Displaced Palestinians Move Northward during Relief Efforts

Image source, EPA

photo caption, Israeli troops mass near the border between Israel and Gaza.

Item information

• • Author, Rushdi Abualouf*
  • Author’s title, BBC correspondent in Gaza, reporting from Istanbul

• 2 hours

The Israeli military reported that the ceasefire agreement with Hamas in Gaza has come into effect.

In a statement on social media, Israel indicated that its forces have partially withdrawn from Palestinian territory and are stationed outside the lines agreed upon in the plan.

With the withdrawal, Hamas has 72 hours to release all Israeli hostages, living and dead, while Israel will free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in return.

Eyewitnesses and BBC correspondents previously claimed that attacks had occurred in Gaza overnight and in the morning, even after the Israeli cabinet approved the ceasefire.

Return

After the start of the withdrawal of Israeli forces, hundreds of people were seen walking along a route along the coast in an attempt to reach the north of the Strip.

According to BBC correspondent Rushdi Abualouf, reporting from Istanbul, residents in the north and west of Gaza City were left stunned after the withdrawal of Israeli forces from several neighbourhoods, revealing unprecedented devastation after weeks of intense shelling and demolitions.

Image source, Reuters

photo caption, Hundreds of Palestinians began to move along the road to return to their home in the north of the Strip.

For the first time in weeks, people entered the Sheikh Radwan, al-Karama and Beach Camp areas, only to find entire blocks of flats razed, hundreds of houses and much of the area’s infrastructure destroyed.

Dozens of videos circulating on social media showed residents walking through the rubble and filming what remains of their neighborhoods.

In one video, a man is heard saying: “This is the last area we can reach. The Israeli army is still nearby. Look at the magnitude of the destruction, they have devastated everything.”

While some residents filmed the ruins, others rushed to help Gaza Civil Defense teams recover bodies from the rubble.

Image source, Reuters

photo caption, The extent of destruction has stunned many Strip residents.

Mahmoud Basal, spokesman for the Gaza Civil Defense, told the BBC that eight bodies were recovered from the north of the territory on Friday morning, while rescue teams continue the search “with very limited resources” in other areas.

Similar scenes were reported in several districts evacuated by Israeli forces, which have begun to withdraw towards the lines agreed upon within the framework of the ceasefire negotiated in Sharm el-Sheikh between Hamas and Israel.

Some 700,000 displaced people in Gaza City and the north are anxiously awaiting the completion of the withdrawal so they can return to what remains of their homes.

Alaa Saleh, a teacher who fled with his wife and six children to Khan Yunis three weeks ago, told the BBC that he is desperate to return north once the coastal highway opens: “My house was destroyed a year ago. I lived in a tent on top of the ruins and I will put mine back up.

“We just want to rebuild. We are tired of living in tents that protect us from neither the summer heat nor the winter cold.”

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What are the logistical challenges hindering aid delivery through the Rafah Humanitarian Corridor?

Initial Troop Withdrawal & Ceasefire Details

On October 10, 2025, the long-anticipated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas officially commenced, marked by the initial withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops from key areas within the Gaza Strip. This follows months of intense conflict resulting in widespread devastation and a significant humanitarian crisis. The ceasefire agreement, brokered by egypt, Qatar, and the United States, outlines a phased withdrawal of forces, contingent upon the continued adherence to the truce by all parties. Key elements of the agreement include:

* Complete cessation of hostilities: This encompasses all military operations, including airstrikes, artillery fire, and ground incursions.

* Release of hostages: A staged release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. This is a central component of the deal.

* Increased humanitarian aid access: Unimpeded access for international aid organizations to deliver essential supplies to Gaza.

* Monitoring mechanism: A joint monitoring committee,comprised of representatives from Egypt,Qatar,and the US,will oversee the implementation of the ceasefire.

The initial withdrawal focused on areas surrounding Khan Younis and Rafah, regions that have seen some of the heaviest fighting in recent months. While the IDF maintains a presence along the border, the reduction in troops signals a significant de-escalation. This progress is crucial for the next phase: facilitating the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The Northward Movement of Displaced Palestinians

The ceasefire has triggered a cautious but noticeable movement of displaced Palestinians attempting to return to their homes, notably in northern Gaza. Before the ceasefire,an estimated 1.7 million Gazans – roughly 75% of the population – were internally displaced,seeking refuge in overcrowded shelters and makeshift camps in the south. The scale of internal displacement in Gaza is unprecedented.

The return journey is fraught with challenges:

1. Infrastructure Damage: Extensive damage to roads, buildings, and essential infrastructure (water, electricity, sanitation) hinders movement and makes resettlement difficult. Reports indicate significant Gaza infrastructure damage.
2. Unexploded Ordnance: The presence of unexploded ordnance and landmines poses a serious threat to returning civilians.Demining Gaza is a critical, ongoing process.
3. Security Concerns: While the ceasefire is in effect, lingering security concerns and the potential for renewed hostilities remain a major deterrent.
4. Lack of Basic Services: Returning areas often lack basic services like healthcare, food, and clean water, creating immediate humanitarian needs.

Despite these obstacles, the desire to return home is strong. Initial reports suggest a gradual flow of people moving north,primarily utilizing available transportation – trucks,donkey carts,and walking. The UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) and other aid organizations are providing assistance, including transportation, food packages, and medical care, to facilitate the return.

Relief Efforts & Humanitarian Aid Delivery

The ceasefire has opened a window for significantly increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. Prior to the truce, aid deliveries were severely restricted, leading to widespread food insecurity, malnutrition, and a collapse of the healthcare system. Now, a surge in aid is underway, focusing on:

* Food Security: The World Food Programme (WFP) is scaling up food distribution to address critical shortages. Food crisis in Gaza remains a major concern.

* Medical Supplies: Urgent medical supplies, including essential medicines, surgical equipment, and trauma care, are being delivered to overwhelmed hospitals.

* Shelter & Reconstruction: Efforts are underway to provide temporary shelter for those whose homes have been destroyed and to begin the long process of reconstruction. Gaza reconstruction will require substantial international investment.

* Water & Sanitation: Repairing damaged water infrastructure and providing access to clean water and sanitation facilities are priorities.

* Psychological Support: Addressing the widespread trauma experienced by the population is crucial. Mental health services are being expanded.

Case Study: Rafah Humanitarian Corridor: The establishment of a dedicated humanitarian corridor through Rafah, facilitated by Egyptian authorities, has been instrumental in delivering aid. However, logistical challenges and bureaucratic hurdles continue to impede the flow of supplies.

challenges to Sustainable Peace & Long-Term Stability

While the ceasefire represents a positive step, significant challenges remain in achieving sustainable peace and long-term stability. These include:

* Political Negotiations: Resuming meaningful political negotiations between Israel and Palestinian representatives is essential to address the root causes of the conflict.

* Rebuilding Gaza’s Economy: Revitalizing Gaza’s economy, which has been decimated by years of conflict and blockade, is crucial for providing opportunities and reducing dependence on aid. Gaza economy recovery is a long-term project.

* Addressing Security Concerns: Finding a way to address Israel’s legitimate security concerns while ensuring the rights and dignity of Palestinians is a complex but necessary task.

* International Commitment: Sustained international commitment and financial support are vital for supporting the reconstruction of Gaza and fostering a lasting peace.

Practical tips for Supporting Relief Efforts

Individuals wishing to support relief efforts in Gaza can:

* Donate to reputable organizations: UNRWA, the Red Cross/Red Crescent, Doctors Without Borders, and the World Food Programme are all actively involved in providing assistance.

* Advocate for increased aid: Contact your elected officials and urge them to support increased humanitarian aid to Gaza.

* Raise awareness: Share details about the situation in Gaza with your friends and family.

* Support organizations working on peacebuilding: Invest in organizations that are working to promote dialogue and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians.

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