JERUSALEM/GAZA CITY – October 11, 2025 – A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is now in effect in the Gaza Strip, marking the first major pause in hostilities in months and initiating a critical 72-hour countdown for the release of remaining Israeli hostages.

The ceasefire, part of the initial phase of a U.S.-brokered peace plan, began on Friday at noon local time. The Israeli military confirmed it had completed a partial withdrawal of its forces to agreed-upon deployment lines in Gaza, fulfilling the first condition of the agreement.

72-Hour Clock for Hostage Exchange

The Israeli troop withdrawal triggered a 72-hour period in which Hamas is obligated to release the remaining hostages it holds. Israeli officials believe approximately 48 hostages are still in Gaza, with around 20 of them thought to be alive. The deadline for their release is noon on Monday.

In exchange for the hostages, Israel is set to release approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences and 1,700 detained since the start of the war.

• Ceasefire Start: Friday, October 10, at noon local time (following Israeli troop withdrawal).
• Hostage Release Window: 72 hours, ending Monday, October 13, at noon local time.
• The Deal: Release of all remaining hostages (living and deceased) in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Relief and Uncertainty on the Ground

The cessation of violence has brought a wave of cautious relief to the devastated enclave, which has endured two years of devastating conflict. Following the ceasefire announcement, tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians began trekking back toward the northern parts of Gaza, where destruction is widespread.

The agreement also stipulates the immediate and full provision of humanitarian aid into Gaza, where the population has faced severe shortages. Aid shipments are expected to ramp up over the weekend, with the Kerem Shalom and Rafah crossings being key entry points.

The breakthrough follows intense diplomatic pressure led by U.S. President Donald Trump and international mediators. However, while the immediate focus is on the hostage release, significant questions remain about the broader peace plan, including the long-term governance of Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the government approved the “outline” of the deal late Thursday, despite objections from his far-right coalition partners who opposed the release of a large number of Palestinian prisoners.