The Israeli army announced it is preparing to pull back troops in Gaza as part of a deal, according to AFP, while Al-Arabi TV reported Israeli bombing in the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood of Gaza City between 6:05 AM and 6:35 AM UTC on October 9th, 2025. Palestinian reports also indicated active movement of Israeli military vehicles north of Khan Yunis during the same period. Plumes of smoke were seen rising in northern Gaza as a result of an air strike, amidst discussions of a ceasefire in the Strip. These developments occur as previous reports indicated an imminent signing of a deal for hostage and prisoner exchanges between Israel and Hamas, with terms finalized by mediators and guaranteed by the U.S., Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. Under the finalized terms, IDF troops were expected to withdraw to a designated line within Gaza within 24 hours of the agreement's signing, as confirmed by multiple previous reports. Earlier this morning, between 5:35 AM and 6:05 AM UTC, Israeli artillery shelling was reported in the vicinity of Al-Sinaa Street in Gaza City, according to Al Jazeera's correspondent. This activity unfolded as President Trump had previously assured hostage families of their loved ones' return, with an expectation that all Israeli hostages would be released by Monday, October 13th, 2025.
