Israel Withdraws Forces and Allows Aid Into Gaza After Hostage Deal

A U.S.-mediated ceasefire took effect at noon, and Israel withdrew forces to pre-agreed positions while keeping control over large parts of Gaza.

“The article reports on international reactions to a recently brokered deal involving the Palestinian authority”

Wandsworth Times

Palestinians began moving north along routes the Israeli military opened, and crowds attempted to dismantle Israeli barriers at the Netzarim corridor that had split the Strip.

Wandsworth Times

The deal triggers a 72-hour window for Hamas to release 48 hostages, with Israel asserting only about 20 are alive, as the International Committee of the Red Cross prepares for complex exchanges.

Despite the pause, reports describe Israel still holding roughly half the territory—some sources specify 53%—as tens of thousands to around 200,000 Palestinians return to shattered neighborhoods.

The hostage-prisoner exchange terms remain contested and unclear.

The deal requires Hamas to free 48 hostages within 72 hours, yet Israel says only about 20 are alive.

Los Angeles Times

Haaretz reports that Donald Trump said about 28 bodies are among the captives.

Regarding prisoners, different sources report sharply varying numbers.

Some say Israel will release about 2,000 detainees, while others cite 1,700.

CBS reports that Israel has already released 250 prisoners under this process.

NBC News adds that no final prisoner list exists.

The Palestinian Prisoners’ Media Office warns that circulating lists are inaccurate and meant to disrupt negotiations.

Aid access is a critical test of this agreement.

“The article discusses the difficulties faced by thousands of people dealing with high expenses, including car rentals costing about 4,000 shekels (£924; $1,227), which most cannot afford”

aaaj.ar

The Los Angeles Times reports that 170,000 metric tons of aid are staged in neighboring countries but are awaiting Israeli approval.

Daily Sabah states that Israel has approved the U.N. to deliver the same 170,000 metric tons starting Sunday and will reopen five crossings, including Rafah, amid famine conditions.

WHEC says about 600 trucks per day are expected to pass through multiple crossings, with Italy resuming police patrols at Rafah.

NBC News reports that global leaders want the U.N. Security Council to support large-scale deliveries once the ceasefire is in place.

CBS reports that the U.N. plans a substantial aid push and Rafah will reopen Tuesday with coordination from the EU and U.S., but aid agencies have not yet confirmed a major increase.

Civilians are returning to a landscape of death and extreme destruction created by Israel’s military offensive, which killed tens of thousands of Palestinians.

BBC and Daily Sabah report over 67,000 Palestinian deaths, with BBC adding that Israel faces accusations of genocide—which Israel denies—while Mondoweiss reports over 66,000 killed.

AP News

Crews are still recovering bodies; CNN and Букви detail at least 33 bodies pulled from the ruins as families recount children killed and homes obliterated.

Local reporting describes neighborhoods like Sheikh Radwan, Karama, Beach Camp, Sabra, and Zeitoun smashed apart, rescue teams digging out the dead, and residents weak and malnourished as they walk north to rebuild.

Even with withdrawals, Israel is not ending military control, and the deal could unravel.

“Following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, Palestinian families displaced by the two-year conflict have begun returning to their homes in Gaza, despite widespread destruction”

AP News

The Mirror quotes Netanyahu saying the IDF will stay in Gaza until the militant group is disarmed.

NPR

WHEC reports he vowed to keep demilitarizing the group after hostage returns.

Mondoweiss reveals a secret clause in the Hebrew text and an annex—denied by the militant group and reportedly classified by an Israeli court—allowing Israel to resume attacks if all captives are not located within 72 hours.

NBC reports Palestinians trying to tear down the Netzarim corridor barriers that helped Israel divide the Strip.

Al Jazeera highlights Trump’s optimism and claims of broad international support, but skepticism persists over governance, disarmament, and whether Israel will simply restart the offensive.

International responses reveal a sharp division between demands for legal accountability and political praise.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the ICC is seeking the arrest of Netanyahu and a former defense minister over accusations of using starvation as a weapon.

El Universal states that the U.N. warned of famine, which Israel disputes, and that Israel blocked foreign journalists from entering Gaza.

WDIO reports that Netanyahu nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in the deal.

CBS notes that Putin praised Trump’s mediation, highlighted EU-U.S. coordination to reopen Rafah, and mentioned a U.N. plan for major aid, although agencies have not yet confirmed an increase in assistance.

Haaretz reports that Trump plans to visit Cairo, speak to the Knesset, and return to the U.S. quickly as hostage releases continue.