The Israeli Army began this Friday retreat towards the so-called yellow linefollowing the ceasefire agreement in force announced by Donald Trump and approved by both the Government of Benjamin Netanyahu as by the leader of Hamas. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), as reported Efethey are already abandoning cities in the Palestinian enclave such as the capital and other urban areas.
The gradual withdrawal of troops has allowed the population to return to some neighborhoods in Gaza City such as Tal al Hawa and Sheikh Radwan, but movement from the south of the Strip to the north remains prohibited, with deterrent artillery strikes and drone surveillance. Before the ceasefire came into effect, some isolated fighting occurred and an Israeli soldier was killed by a sniper shot.
Israeli troops continue to be stationed in military areas such as the Netzarim Corridor, which cuts Gaza in two at the height of Kibbutz Beeri to the Mediterranean, Philadelphia or the Axis of Morag in the south. According to the newspaper Haaretza significant part of the military mobilized in Gaza They will return to Israel in the next few hours.
Dozens of Palestinians walk through the rubble of a Gaza City street.
Reuters
This first withdrawal leaves under Israeli control about 53% of the territory of the Gaza Stripwith an area of about 185km². During the offensive, Israel controlled – either as a military zone or under a forced evacuation order – more than 80% of the enclave. The IDF is expected to complete the partial withdrawal to the yellow line before dawn, a commitment included in the agreement for Hamas to effectively release the 48 hostages still in the enclave, 20 of them alive, within a period of 72 hours.
According to the American media, Trump has approved the sending of 200 soldiers to monitor the ceasefire and ensure that neither side breaks it. The international force will also be made up of troops from Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates.
The Gaza Civil Defense, in a statement, again urged Palestinians “not to approach or return” to areas where Israeli forces were present, especially the border territories of Gaza City, “until the competent authorities have officially announced the withdrawal.”
“Failure to comply with this warning puts your life at risk.. We urge everyone to comply with it for their safety and to facilitate the work of emergency teams,” added the rescue service.