The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has taken effect, according to an announcement on October 9th, 2025, at 11:05 AM UTC. This development comes as Israeli tanks deployed on the Rashid coastal road are reportedly blocking Palestinians from returning to Gaza City and the northern Strip, with footage showing tanks shelling near crowds. The IDF had previously warned that returning to Gaza City is "extremely dangerous," as stated by a previous report. Israel clarified that the ceasefire's full implementation is contingent on a cabinet meeting. Red Cross vehicles were observed traveling south Gaza toward the north. Meanwhile, reports indicate that negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire will commence one day after hostages are released. Egypt has informed U.S. diplomats that it will not permit Israel to maintain a permanent presence along the Gaza-Egypt border, while Israel insists on holding its positions in the Philadelphi Corridor to prevent weapons smuggling, according to sources speaking to Qatar’s Al-Araby channel. The U.S. Ambassador stated on Fox News that "It looks like a signed agreement, everyone will be surprised if something goes wrong." This follows previous reports from October 9th, 2025, which detailed Israeli army units preparing for withdrawal from Gaza and the Prison Service issuing guidance for prisoner release operations, awaiting a list of security prisoners. The International Court of Justice is scheduled to issue an advisory opinion on Israel's obligations on October 22nd, 2025.
