Ceasefire begins in Gaza as hostage release expected
A ceasefire in the Gaza strip officially began at midday on 10 October, after the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed it had pulled back troops to agreed deployment lines under a deal with Hamas for the release of all hostages held by the militant group.
Source: Times of Israel, a Jerusalem-based online newspaper, citing the Israeli military command
Details: Israeli military officials said that as of 12:00, Israel Defence Forces had taken up new positions in line with the ceasefire and hostage-release agreement.
Under the deal, Hamas is to release 48 hostages within 72 hours, by midday on Monday 13 October.
Following the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces, Israel now controls just over half of Gaza's territory – 53% – most of it outside urban areas.
Media outlets in Gaza have reported that residents have begun returning to the northern part of the enclave.
Background:
- On the night of 9-10 October, the Israeli government approved an agreement for the release of all 48 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
- Earlier, Hamas spokesperson Khalil al-Hayya had announced a ceasefire in the enclave.
- On 29 September 2025, the Trump administration unveiled a wide-ranging plan for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, with further provisions for the territory.
- On 3 October, Trump demanded that Hamas accept his peace deal for Gaza within a few days, warning that otherwise the group would face "all hell".
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