Israeli forces begin gradual withdrawal from Gaza

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - International Service: Early this morning (Friday), the Israeli army began its gradual withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. Local reporters say military vehicles have withdrawn from around the Jordanian airfield in the Tel Al-Hawa area southwest of Gaza City.

 

Videos have also been released showing forces moving into the Gaza Strip and abandoning some positions.

 

Palestinian activists said that before abandoning their positions, the occupying forces set fire to some centers, an action that has also been seen in previous operations.

 

Despite the official announcement of a ceasefire and the start of the withdrawal of troops, Israel carried out more than ten airstrikes on northern, western and eastern parts of Gaza in the late hours of Thursday and early Friday, killing at least eight Palestinians.

 

In a statement, the army claimed that the target of the attacks was a “Hamas-affiliated sabotage group” that was active near Israeli forces.

 

The areas of Tel al-Hawa, al-Nasr and the Nuseirat camp were also targeted by artillery and smoke bombs. In Khan Yunis, a woman was also burned when a lantern fell on her tent.

 

In response to the crisis, Tedros Adhanom, the director-general of the World Health Organization, announced that the organization’s relief teams were ready to expand emergency medical services and rebuild health infrastructure in Gaza.

 

Earlier, on October 9, 2025 (17 Mehr 1404), the Hamas movement had issued a statement announcing an agreement to end the war in Gaza and exchange prisoners, which was implemented immediately. Indirect talks between the Palestinian and Israeli sides began on October 6 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, and were attended by US representatives, including Steve Whitaker, the US special envoy for the Middle East, and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law.

 

In the new agreement, the Israeli regime will withdraw some of its forces from areas it has controlled, and negotiations are continuing on the withdrawal lines known as the "Yellow Line."

 

According to the terms of the agreement, Hamas is obliged to release 20 live prisoners within 72 hours of the start of the ceasefire.

 

The agreement also includes the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including women and children.

 

The US plans to deploy 200 soldiers as part of a joint task force with regional countries to ensure stability and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid; this force will apparently be stationed on Israeli territory, not inside Gaza.

 

News sources say that Trump plans to travel to the region in the coming days and may speak in the Israeli Knesset.

 

The drafters of the agreement have emphasized the creation of an international stabilization force to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire and help with local security.

 

The beginning of the Israeli military withdrawal can be considered an important step towards the realization of the agreement under Trump, but it should be noted that its full implementation faces significant obstacles. According to experts, several key issues will determine the future course:

 

First, the practical guarantee of the release of prisoners and the exchange of prisoners within a specified time frame, without delays or violations.

 

Second, how to manage the evacuated areas after the withdrawal of troops and determine the power of local administration: will the government be run under foreign supervision or will local forces be present?

 

Third, international monitoring and support to prevent a return to fighting and ensure the arrival of humanitarian aid. Observers believe that if the international stabilization force does not actually function, the likelihood of a return to tensions is high.