Witkoff confirms Israeli forces pull back as Gaza ceasefire moves forward

US Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, confirmed that the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has verified that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have completed the first phase of their troop withdrawal in the Gaza Strip.

“CENTCOM has confirmed that the Israeli Defence Forces completed the first phase withdrawal to the yellow line at 12 PM local time,” Witkoff posted on X, as per Caliber.Az.

“A 72-hour period has begun for the release of hostages,” the statement read.

The statement follows a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump and signed in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on October 9, 2025. 

The first phase includes partial IDF withdrawal, the release of hostages, a prisoner exchange, and the facilitation of humanitarian aid into Gaza. 

Completion of this phase is contingent on the full release of hostages.

By Jeyhun Aghazada