Ceasefire Agreement Now Active, Confirms Israeli Defense Forces
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have announced that the ceasefire agreement is officially in effect, with military units withdrawing to the designated deployment boundaries as stipulated in the accord.
According to a Telegram statement from the IDF, troops commenced repositioning along the revised deployment lines starting at noon local time.
The statement further notes, “IDF forces within the Southern Command remain stationed in the area and will persist in neutralizing any immediate threats.” Currently, the IDF controls approximately 53% of the Gaza Strip, predominantly in non-urban regions.
Under the terms of the ceasefire, Hamas is allotted a 72-hour window following the truce’s initiation to release all hostages.
Following the ceasefire announcement, thousands of Palestinians in Gaza began moving northward within the territory, as reported by AFP.
Below are some of the latest images capturing the situation:
Israel’s cabinet has formally endorsed a ceasefire framework aimed at halting hostilities in Gaza and facilitating the release of all hostages held by Hamas, marking a pivotal move toward ending the protracted two-year conflict.
Senior U.S. officials revealed that a contingent of 200 American military personnel will be deployed regionally to supervise the ceasefire’s implementation, following the agreement on the initial phase of the Trump administration’s peace initiative.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the cabinet approved the outline of the agreement, which includes the liberation of all hostages, both living and deceased, though it did not address other contentious elements of the plan.
An Israeli government spokesperson explained that the ceasefire is to commence immediately after approval, with the military given 24 hours to reposition forces to the agreed lines. Subsequently, hostages are to be freed within 72 hours.
The announcement sparked mixed emotions among Israelis and Palestinians, with celebrations tempered by concerns over the ceasefire’s durability.
Additional key developments include:
- Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas’s exiled Gaza leader, has received assurances from the U.S. and other mediators that the conflict has concluded.
- Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the U.S. Central Command, will initially oversee a 200-person team tasked with monitoring the ceasefire to prevent violations.
- Military representatives from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and likely the UAE will be integrated into the monitoring team, with no U.S. troops planned to enter Gaza.
- Israeli airstrikes persisted up to the cabinet’s vote, including attacks in northern Gaza and a strike on a Gaza City building that resulted in casualties and trapped civilians.
- Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reported at least 11 fatalities and 49 injuries in the past 24 hours.
- Israeli military sources stated strikes targeted threats to their forces during repositioning, while Hamas accused Netanyahu of attempting to undermine peace efforts.
- Approximately 20 Israeli hostages remain alive in Gaza, with 26 presumed dead and two unaccounted for.
- The broader 20-point ceasefire plan proposed by the Trump administration leaves unresolved questions, such as the disarmament of Hamas, but represents the closest both sides have come to peace since the conflict’s escalation in October 2023.
- Reports indicate the U.S. military will establish a task force of 200 troops to oversee the truce, though they will not enter Gaza.
- The IDF confirmed the death of reservist Mordechai Nachmani in a Hamas sniper attack in Gaza City, occurring shortly after negotiators signed the hostage release agreement in Egypt.
- Israeli media published a list of Palestinian prisoners expected to be released under the deal, including 250 life-sentenced inmates and 22 children, out of roughly 290 currently detained.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper clarified that there are no plans for British or European troops to be deployed in Gaza following the ceasefire. Speaking on BBC Breakfast, she emphasized that the U.S. is expected to lead a monitoring mission to ensure compliance with the agreement, oversee the hostage release, and facilitate humanitarian aid delivery.
Cooper expressed hope for the immediate implementation of the ceasefire and highlighted ongoing international discussions about establishing a multinational security force. The UK continues to support Gaza through alternative means, including exploring private sector financing options.
On BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme, Cooper remarked, “This must mark the beginning of the conflict’s end and the foundation for a just, enduring peace that guarantees security for both Palestinians and Israelis. The past two years have been marked by immense suffering, with tens of thousands of lives lost and hostages held far from their families.”
Ceasefire in Gaza Now Active, Israeli Military Confirms
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have announced that the ceasefire agreement with Hamas has officially taken effect, with troops repositioning to the designated deployment lines. According to a statement shared on Telegram, the IDF began moving to these updated positions from midday local time.
The military emphasized that forces in the Southern Command remain vigilant to neutralize any immediate threats. Currently, Israel maintains control over approximately 53% of the Gaza Strip, predominantly in non-urban areas. The ceasefire terms also stipulate that Hamas must release all hostages within 72 hours of the truce’s commencement.
Humanitarian Aid and Movement Facilitated
Reports from Israel’s Army Radio indicate that 600 aid trucks will be permitted to enter Gaza daily, traveling northward through Salah al-Din and al-Rashid streets. These shipments will include essential supplies such as food, medical equipment, shelter materials, and fuel. Distribution will be managed collaboratively by the United Nations, accredited international organizations, and private entities.
Additionally, Palestinians displaced to southern Gaza during the conflict will be allowed to return home via the Rafah crossing, subject to Israeli approval and monitored by the European Union mission. This arrangement mirrors the movement protocols established in the January 2025 agreement.
International Responses and Support
Germany has pledged €29 million (approximately £25 million or $34 million) in humanitarian aid following the ceasefire and hostage release deal. Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced plans to co-host a Gaza reconstruction conference with Egypt and expressed support for the peace initiative led by US President Donald Trump. Merz reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to Israel’s security and endorsed a two-state solution as the most viable path to lasting peace.
The British Red Cross, part of the International Committee of the Red Cross, stands ready to distribute critical aid within Gaza and facilitate the safe transfer of hostages and detainees. Chief Executive Béatrice Butsana-Sita highlighted the dire humanitarian needs and emphasized the importance of an immediate cessation of hostilities to allow recovery and stability.
UN Aid Efforts and Challenges Ahead
Tom Fletcher, head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), cautioned that while UN aid teams are prepared to deliver food and shelter supplies, the key challenge will be ensuring Israel removes barriers to aid flow. Fletcher stressed the necessity of open crossings, safe convoy routes, and protection for aid workers, many of whom have lost their lives in recent years.
He acknowledged the need to collaborate pragmatically with Hamas to overcome internal distribution obstacles, emphasizing the UN’s neutral and impartial stance. The UN has a 60-day operational plan ready, aiming to flood Gaza with high-nutrition food, restore power to essential services, and prepare for winter by supplying thousands of tents. Education for approximately 700,000 school-age children is also a priority.
Fletcher underscored that true progress will be measured by the safe return of hostages, the alleviation of hunger, and the restoration of normalcy for Gaza’s residents.
Military Movements and Civilian Warnings
The IDF has commenced its withdrawal from Gaza, aligning with the ceasefire’s deployment lines. Israeli forces will maintain control over just over half of the territory, mainly outside densely populated areas. Meanwhile, displaced families are beginning to return to Gaza City, though some remain at checkpoints awaiting access to previously restricted zones such as the Netzarim Corridor.
Gaza’s civil defense has issued a cautionary notice urging residents to avoid areas where Israeli troops are still present, especially near the border, until official confirmation of the withdrawal is announced. The warning stresses that ignoring this advice could endanger lives and hinder emergency response efforts.
US Presidential Visit and Political Developments
US President Donald Trump is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Monday, 13 October, with a formal welcome planned at Ben Gurion Airport. However, his visit will be shorter than initially intended due to logistical constraints. Upon arrival, Trump is expected to address the Knesset in Jerusalem before the Jewish festival of Simchat Torah begins that evening. Notably, he will not visit Gaza during this trip.
Following the Israeli government’s approval of the ceasefire and hostage release deal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude to US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for their roles in brokering the agreement.
Visual Updates from Gaza
Recent images from Gaza depict displaced Palestinians gathering along the coastal road near Wadi Gaza as they move northward following the ceasefire. Photographs also show children atop vehicles carrying belongings and smoke rising from the region, illustrating the ongoing impact of the conflict and the tentative steps toward peace.
UK Position on Military Involvement
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has clarified that there are no plans to deploy British or European troops in Gaza following the ceasefire. Speaking on BBC Breakfast, she emphasized that military involvement is not part of the current strategy.
Israel Endorses Hostage Release Agreement as US to Supervise Ceasefire
In a significant move toward ending the prolonged conflict, Israel’s government has formally approved a ceasefire plan in Gaza, which includes the liberation of all remaining hostages held by Hamas. This marks a pivotal step in efforts to conclude the devastating two-year war.
Senior US officials revealed that a contingent of 200 American military personnel will be stationed in the region to monitor the ceasefire’s enforcement. This deployment follows the agreement between Israel and Hamas on the initial phase of the Trump administration’s strategy to halt hostilities.
According to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, the cabinet gave early Friday approval to the framework of the deal, which focuses on the release of all hostages, both living and deceased, while sidestepping other contentious elements of the plan.
An Israeli government representative explained that the ceasefire is expected to commence immediately following the cabinet’s endorsement. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have been allotted 24 hours to withdraw to a predetermined boundary, after which the hostages held in Gaza are to be freed within a 72-hour window.
The announcement sparked celebrations among both Israelis and Palestinians, though in Gaza, the mood was mixed with hope and apprehension over the durability of the agreement.
Additional key points include:
- Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas’s exiled Gaza leader, confirmed receiving assurances from the US and other mediators that the conflict has concluded.
- Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the US Central Command, will initially deploy 200 personnel to oversee the ceasefire, ensuring compliance and preventing violations.
- Military representatives from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and likely the United Arab Emirates will join the US team, though no American troops are planned to enter Gaza itself.
- Despite the ceasefire agreement, Israeli airstrikes persisted up to the cabinet vote, with attacks in northern Gaza and a strike in Gaza City causing casualties and trapping civilians under debris.
- Gaza’s health ministry reported at least 11 fatalities and 49 injuries in the last 24 hours amid ongoing hostilities.
- Israeli military sources stated that strikes targeted threats to their forces during repositioning, while Hamas accused Israel of attempting to disrupt peace efforts through continued attacks.
- Approximately 20 Israeli hostages remain alive in Gaza, with 26 presumed deceased and two unaccounted for.
- The broader 20-point ceasefire proposal from the Trump administration leaves unresolved issues, such as the disarmament of Hamas, but both parties appear closer than ever to ending the conflict that began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023 assault.
- White House sources confirmed the US military will establish a 200-strong task force to support the ceasefire, without deploying troops inside Gaza.
- The IDF reported the death of 26-year-old reservist Mordechai Nachmani in a Hamas sniper attack in Gaza City, occurring shortly after hostage release negotiations in Egypt but before the ceasefire took effect.
- Israeli media outlet Haaretz disclosed the names of Palestinian prisoners expected to be freed under the agreement, including 250 life-sentenced inmates and 22 children, from a total of around 290 held.
Foreign Secretary Cooper emphasized the urgency of implementing the ceasefire immediately, highlighting ongoing international talks about forming a multinational security force. The UK continues to support these efforts, including exploring private funding avenues to aid Gaza’s recovery.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme, Cooper remarked, “This agreement must mark the start of the conflict’s resolution and the establishment of enduring peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis. The past two years have been marked by immense suffering, with tens of thousands of lives lost and hostages held far from their families.”
She further explained that the US is poised to lead a supervisory mission to ensure the ceasefire’s terms are upheld on the ground, oversee the hostage release process, and facilitate the initial delivery of humanitarian aid. Neighboring countries are expected to provide the necessary troops to support this phase, a development anticipated by international observers.
