BREAKING: The Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal has not yet entered into effect, according to an Israeli military opinion confirmed by Sky News Middle East Correspondent Adam Parsons at 9:05 AM UTC on October 9th, 2025. This announcement comes hours after Israel and Hamas stated an agreement was reached, with blasts reported in Gaza from southern Israel, according to Reuters. An Israeli Channel 13 report, citing a senior security official, stated that the withdrawal of forces will occur only after the Israeli government ratifies the agreement later this evening. Hamas leader Osama Hamdan told Arab TV that the ceasefire will become effective after the Israeli government's ratification. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi described the agreement as a historic moment for peace, stating it opens a door to the future of justice and stability. Despite the reported agreement, air strikes were conducted in northern Gaza between 8:04 AM and 9:04 AM UTC on October 9th, 2025, with plumes of smoke observed, as detailed by Al-Arabi TV in previous reports. Israeli military vehicles were also noted north of Khan Yunis during the same period, according to Palestinian reports. The ceasefire terms, guaranteed by the U.S., Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, include an IDF withdrawal to a designated line within Gaza within 24 hours of signing, though this timeline is now contingent on government ratification. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has stated his intention to vote against the Gaza agreement, emphasizing the need to destroy Hamas after hostage release, as reported previously. French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the agreement, commending mediator efforts and calling for adherence to its terms, with France ready to contribute to a political solution based on a two-state solution. Discussions on this matter are planned for this afternoon in Paris. Previous reports from Al Jazeera and AFP indicated Israeli artillery shelling in Gaza City, specifically near Al-Sinaa Street and in the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood, between 5:35 AM and 6:35 AM UTC on October 9th, 2025. President Trump had previously assured hostage families of their loved ones' return, with an expectation for all Israeli hostages to be released by Monday, October 13th, 2025.
