Israel commenced a gradual withdrawal from parts of the Gaza Strip on Thursday morning, October 9th, 2025, hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the approval of the first phase of a hostage-release deal. Logistical units have begun pulling back from the Gaza City area as combat troops are expected to follow. The IDF is retreating to border defenses, with Hamas anticipated to regain control of major urban centers within days, according to ynetnews.com. The withdrawal marks the initial step of Operation Gideon's Chariots II, a campaign whose military objectives were not fully achieved, as troops halted before entering intended Hamas base destruction neighborhoods. Israeli sources indicate that life-time prisoners to be released as part of the deal will be deported abroad rather than returning to Gaza or the West Bank. This development follows an announcement that a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has taken effect. Previous reports detailed Israeli tanks deploying on the Rashid coastal road, reportedly blocking Palestinians from returning to Gaza City and the northern Strip. The IDF had previously warned that returning to Gaza City was "extremely dangerous." Negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire are expected to 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 International Court of Justice is scheduled to issue an advisory opinion on Israel's obligations on October 22nd, 2025. Hamas spokesman Khasa Qasem was noted in a performance on Al-Jazeera prior to October 7th and again today. French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the agreement and commended mediator efforts, with France ready to contribute to a political solution based on a two-state solution, with discussions planned for this afternoon in Paris.
