IDF begins gradual withdrawal in Gaza as part of Hamas hostage deal

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have started a phased withdrawal of troops in the Gaza Strip to boundaries agreed upon with Hamas, the Times of Israel reported on October 10.

Some units have already fully withdrawn, while others remain stationed along the newly established lines. The withdrawal in several areas was reportedly accompanied by artillery fire and combat aviation operations.

Under the terms of the agreement, the IDF is required to complete its withdrawal by the end of October 10, within 24 hours of the Israeli cabinet approving the deal.

Once complete, the IDF will remain in control of just over half of the Strip’s territory, or 53 per cent — most of which is outside urban areas.

This includes a buffer zone along the entire Gaza border, including the Philadelphi Corridor — the Egypt-Gaza border area — along with Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya in the Strip’s far north, a ridge on the eastern outskirts of Gaza City, and large portions of Rafah and Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

On the night of October 10, the Israeli government approved a deal for the release of hostages held by Hamas. The agreement stipulates that all Israeli hostages, both alive and deceased, will be freed. Following the IDF’s withdrawal to the new lines within Gaza, Hamas will have 72 hours to release the captives.

In exchange for the remaining 48 hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, Israel is expected to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Of the hostages, around 20 are believed to still be alive.

This operation, involving the release of captives and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces, constitutes the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan aimed at resolving the Gaza conflict. On the night of October 9, Trump confirmed that Israeli authorities and Hamas had agreed to implement the initial phase of the US-proposed plan.

By Tamilla Hasanova