Israel Withdraws Troops from Gaza Strip

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have begun a gradual withdrawal of troops from the Gaza Strip to designated boundaries as part of an agreement with Hamas. This was reported by The Times of Israel.

According to the publication, some forces have been completely removed from Gaza, while others remain in positions along the new borders. Under the terms of the agreement, the IDF must withdraw its troops by the end of the day on October 10, which means within 24 hours following the Israeli Cabinet's approval of the agreement with Hamas.

The IDF is expected to maintain control over 53% of the Palestinian enclave, primarily outside urban areas, the report notes. On the night of October 10, the Israeli government approved an agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages held by Hamas.

According to the document, the IDF is to withdraw from the territories of the Gaza Strip to the new boundaries, after which Hamas will have 72 hours to release the hostages. Israel is expected to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 48 hostages taken during Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023.

The release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the partial withdrawal of Israeli troops represents the first phase of former U.S. President Donald Trump's peace plan for resolving the conflict in the Gaza Strip.