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The Israeli army confirmed it had stopped all fire at midday local time and started withdrawing troops to pre-agreed positions

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began at noon on Friday, with Israeli forces pulling back from several areas across Gaza. The Israeli army confirmed it had stopped all fire at midday local time and started withdrawing troops to pre-agreed positions.

The move follows a deal brokered by US President Donald Trump, which includes a ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, and a prisoner exchange involving Palestinian detainees.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel’s Cabinet had approved the outline of the plan, although key details — such as who will govern Gaza and whether Hamas will disarm — remain unresolved.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed on social media that troops in Southern Command were repositioning in line with the ceasefire agreement and would remain alert to remove “any immediate threat".

The Ceasefire Agreement Came Into Effect at 12:00Since 12:00, IDF troops began positioning themselves along the updated deployment lines in preparation for the ceasefire agreement and the return of hostages.

IDF troops in the Southern Command are deployed in the area and will…

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 10, 2025

“The Ceasefire Agreement Came Into Effect at 12:00 Since 12:00, IDF troops began positioning themselves along the updated deployment lines in preparation for the ceasefire agreement and the return of hostages. IDF troops in the Southern Command are deployed in the area and will continue to remove any immediate threat," IDF wrote.

Armoured vehicles and soldiers were seen pulling back from parts of Gaza City and Khan Yunis, according to Gaza’s civil defence agency.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation in a televised statement, expressing hope that the upcoming Simhat Torah festival, starting Monday night, would mark a day of national joy with the return of hostages.

“Citizens of Israel, two years ago, the Simhat Torah holiday became a day of national mourning," he said. “This Simhat Torah, with God’s help, will be a day of national joy, celebrating the return of all our brothers and sisters held hostage."

Despite the ceasefire, Netanyahu warned that the war could resume if Hamas does not comply with the terms of the deal. He declared that Hamas must be disarmed and Gaza demilitarised.

“If this is achieved the easy way, great. And if not, it will be achieved the hard way," he said, making clear that the ceasefire could be temporary if Israel’s conditions are not met.

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