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Cease-fire deal takes effect
Gazans trek toward wrecked homes as Israeli forces begin to retreat
Iran voices support for initiatives aimed at ending genocide
A cease-fire between Israel and Hamas came into effect in Gaza on Friday after the two sides agreed a plan, proposed by US President Donald Trump, to end more than two years of devastating war on the Palestinian territory.
Israeli forces declared the cease-fire and withdrew from some positions in Gaza as thousands of displaced Palestinians began to stream back home and the families of captives held in Gaza awaited news.
The Israeli occupation army said that its troops had ceased fire at noon (0900 GMT) "in preparation for the cease-fire agreement and the return of hostages."
The cease-fire marks a key step toward ending a ruinous two-year war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, reduced much of Gaza to rubble, destabilized the Middle East, and left dozens of Israeli captives, living and dead, in the territory.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry in a statement reaffirmed Iran’s support for any initiative aimed at ending the genocidal war in Gaza, ensuring the withdrawal of occupying forces, facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid, freeing Palestinian prisoners, and restoring the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people.
It also warned the international community to remain vigilant against the “deception and breach of commitments” by the Israeli regime.
Meanwhile, large crowds in Tehran and other cities across Iran held pro-Palestine rallies on Friday, expressing solidarity with Gaza and urging immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged territory.
Organizers described the events as a show of unity with Palestinians and opposition to global powers who have supported the Israeli regime during its genocidal war on Gaza.
Israel begins pullback
Gaza's civil defense agency said Israeli troops and armored vehicles were pulling back from forward positions in both Gaza City and Khan Yunis, and displaced Palestinian civilians said they hoped to return home.
Thousands of civilians were walking along a raised route on Gaza's waterfront, as displaced Palestinians sought to return home after two years of intense fighting.
"We're going back to our areas, full of wounds and sorrow, but we thank God for this situation," 32-year-old Ameer Abu Lyadeh said in Khan Yunis.
"God willing, everyone will return to their areas. We're happy — even if we return to ruins with no life, at least it's our land."
Israel had previously said all parties had signed the first phase of the agreement this week in Egypt, adding that Hamas freeing its remaining Israeli captives alive and dead would "bring the end to this war.”
An Israeli security official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the withdrawal, said the military would control around 50% of Gaza in their new positions.
The agreement followed a 20-point peace plan announced last month by the US president, who plans to leave on Sunday for the Middle East.
Egypt is planning an event to celebrate the conclusion of the deal, while the families of 47 captives taken during Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack are waiting for their loved ones' return.
Unresolved issues
Despite celebrations in Israel and Gaza and a flood of congratulatory messages from world leaders, many issues remain unresolved, including Hamas's disarmament and a proposed transitional authority for Gaza led by Trump.
Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan told Qatar-based broadcaster Al Araby the Palestinian movement rejects the idea.
Trump said the issue of Hamas surrendering its weapons would be addressed in the second phase of the peace plan.
"There will be disarming," he told reporters, adding there would also be "pullbacks" by Israeli forces.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted in a televised statement Friday that the next stages would see Hamas disarm and Gaza demilitarized.
Long columns of Palestinians, exhausted by two years of intense bombardment and what the UN warned were famine conditions, began a trek back from Khan Yunis in the south towards their shattered homes further north.