JERUSALEM (FN) — Israel said Thursday that a ceasefire with Hamas has taken effect, and its military has begun withdrawing troops from parts of the Gaza Strip, marking a major development in a U.S.-brokered agreement aimed at ending two years of war.
The ceasefire, which began at noon local time, requires Hamas to release all living hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attacks within 72 hours. In return, Israel will pull back its forces to designated positions and release approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences.
“This agreement is a calculated risk, but one we must take for the sake of peace,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised address. “We will not hesitate to resume operations if Hamas fails to honor its commitments.”
🇺🇸 U.S. Leads Diplomatic Push
The agreement was brokered with significant involvement from the United States. President Donald Trump, who has made Middle East diplomacy a renewed focus of his second term, personally intervened in the final stages of negotiation. The White House confirmed that Trump held direct calls with both Netanyahu and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in the days leading up to the deal.
“This ceasefire is a testament to what can be achieved when nations come together for peace,” Trump said in a statement. “The United States stands ready to support the implementation of this agreement and ensure that all parties uphold their commitments.”
As part of the deal, the U.S. has committed 200 troops to join a multinational coordination team tasked with monitoring the ceasefire and facilitating humanitarian aid delivery.
🌍 African Nations Voice Support
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, welcomed the ceasefire and called on all parties to adhere to the terms. “The Federal Government of Nigeria welcomes the agreement of a ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas,” said Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “The agreement offers the prospect of an end to the appalling loss of civilian life and human tragedy witnessed across Gaza over the last 15 months.”
Nigeria, along with South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt, had been vocal in international forums, including the African Union and the United Nations, urging restraint and advocating for a peaceful resolution. Egypt played a key mediating role, facilitating indirect communication between Hamas and Israeli negotiators.
The African Union issued a statement calling the ceasefire “a vital step toward restoring stability and dignity to the region,” and pledged to support post-conflict reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
⚠️ A Fragile Peace
Israeli Defense Forces said the withdrawal was conducted under artillery cover and airstrikes, citing security concerns. A coastal road was reopened to allow Palestinians to return to Gaza City, though both sides warned civilians to avoid approaching military positions.
“We are cautiously optimistic,” said IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus. “This is not a victory parade—it’s a strategic repositioning to give diplomacy a chance.”
Palestinian officials welcomed the agreement but expressed skepticism about its durability. “This ceasefire must be the beginning of a broader process that addresses the root causes of the conflict,” said Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, a veteran Palestinian negotiator.
The conflict, which reignited in 2023, has killed thousands and displaced tens of thousands. Previous ceasefires have collapsed within days, raising concerns about the sustainability of the current deal.
Netanyahu warned that the truce is conditional. “The war is not over,” he said. “It is suspended—conditionally.”
