A fragile but historic ceasefire between Israel and Hamas officially began at noon on Friday, following Israel’s approval of a long-negotiated deal aimed at ending the two-year conflict in Gaza. The truce comes alongside a major hostage-for-prisoner exchange, mediated by the United States and Egypt.

Ceasefire Begins Amid Israeli Troop Repositioning

According to the Israeli military, troops have begun repositioning inside Gaza as part of the initial phase of the ceasefire. The move is designed to create conditions for a lasting halt to hostilities and to facilitate the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas.

The agreement, approved by Israel’s cabinet early Friday, allows for the release of Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. In return, Israel has agreed to a partial withdrawal of its ground forces from key areas inside Gaza.

U.S. Confirms Israeli Compliance

Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, confirmed via social media that American intelligence had verified Israel’s compliance with the agreement. He noted that Israeli troops had successfully repositioned to the agreed security line, triggering a 72-hour deadline for Hamas to hand over all remaining hostages.

“This marks a critical step toward restoring peace in Gaza,” Witkoff said.

Netanyahu: ‘We Will Bring Everyone Home’

In a recorded statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the ceasefire as an opportunity to bring home the remaining hostages while maintaining Israel’s defensive posture inside Gaza.

However, Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would not compromise on key demands, including Hamas’s full disarmament and the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip.

“If Hamas lays down its weapons willingly, the process will be smooth,” he said. “If not, we are prepared to act decisively.”

Hope and Uncertainty on Gaza’s Streets

Following the announcement, thousands of Gazans filled the coastal highway, walking from southern towns toward the north in hopes of returning to their homes.

Mousa Rajab, a 22-year-old nursing student, was among them.

“We just want to see if our house is still standing,” he said. “We heard it was damaged, but we need to see it ourselves. Hopefully, this ceasefire will finally hold.”

While previous truces have quickly unraveled, many Palestinians expressed cautious optimism that the fighting may truly be over this time.

Military Cautions Against Entering Restricted Zones

Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee announced that civilians in southern Gaza would be permitted to travel north along designated routes but warned them to avoid zones where Israeli units remain stationed.

“Certain areas are still considered extremely dangerous,” he said, adding that troops would continue limited operations against remaining militant threats.

Airstrike Reported Hours Before Truce

Just hours before the ceasefire began, the Israeli military confirmed it had struck what it described as a Hamas stronghold in northern Gaza. The target, according to Israel, posed an immediate threat to its forces.

Gaza’s Civil Defense officials, however, reported that the strike hit a residential building, with dozens of people trapped inside.

Terms of the Hostage-Prisoner Exchange

Under the deal released by Netanyahu’s office, Hamas has 72 hours to return all Israeli hostages, including the bodies of those who have died in captivity.

In exchange, Israel will release 250 Palestinians serving life sentences and 1,722 Gazans detained during the conflict, including 22 minors who were not linked to the October 7, 2023 attacks.

A government list published Friday included the names of those set for release but excluded several high-profile detainees whom analysts had expected Hamas to demand.

A Step Toward Ending a Two-Year War

While skepticism remains high after multiple failed truces in the past, regional mediators hope this latest agreement could pave the way for a long-term peace framework between Israel and Hamas.

For many in Gaza, the ceasefire offers a fragile glimpse of normalcy after years of destruction and displacement.