Tel Aviv: A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas officially came into effect on Friday afternoon, marking a critical juncture in the war that has devastated Gaza for nearly two years. While the truce was welcomed internationally as a step toward de-escalation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that hostilities will resume if Hamas fails to meet the terms of the deal chief among them, the release of hostages within 72 hours.
At noon local time, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the ceasefire had gone into effect, and troops began limited redeployment from several densely populated areas in Gaza. The withdrawal, officials said, was intended to reduce friction with the civilian population, though Israeli forces will continue to control roughly half of the enclave’s territory.
“The aim is to minimize contact with civilians while maintaining security control,” an IDF spokesperson said. Reports from the ground, however, indicated sporadic gunfire and minor clashes in northern Gaza, suggesting that the truce’s implementation remains fragile.
Just hours before the ceasefire was announced, an Israeli soldier was killed by a Hamas sniper an incident underscoring the volatility of the situation. Israeli drones reportedly carried out limited reconnaissance strikes overnight, keeping tensions high even as both sides publicly affirmed their commitment to the deal.
The core of the ceasefire agreement revolves around the release of hostages held in Gaza. Under the deal, Hamas is required to release all 48 hostages—both the living and the deceased within 72 hours of the ceasefire taking effect. The hostages are expected to be handed over to Israeli security forces through international mediators, most likely by Monday.
Hamas, however, has expressed reservations about the terms, claiming that the list of Palestinian prisoners slated for release by Israel does not fully match the names agreed upon in mediation talks. The group also stated that recovering the bodies of some hostages may take longer, as their burial locations remain unknown.
Israeli officials have dismissed these objections, emphasizing that the deal’s timeline is non-negotiable.
In a nationally televised address, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hamas of “severe consequences” if it fails to comply with the agreement.
“If Hamas does not honor the terms within 72 hours, we will return to war,” Netanyahu declared. “Their consent to this deal is not out of goodwill, but out of pressure. The noose is tightening around their necks, and Israel will not rest until every hostage is home.”
The Prime Minister reiterated that the truce is not a sign of weakness, but a strategic step to ensure the safe return of hostages while maintaining military readiness.
Despite cautious optimism, analysts say the ceasefire faces numerous obstacles. Trust between the two sides is virtually nonexistent, and ongoing disputes over prisoner lists, territorial control, and humanitarian corridors could undermine the deal.
There are also fears that extremist factions within Gaza could act independently, attempting to derail the truce through rogue attacks. Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations are urging both sides to uphold the agreement to allow aid convoys into the war-torn enclave.
Israeli officials confirmed that up to 600 trucks of humanitarian aid, including medical supplies and food, will begin entering Gaza daily if the ceasefire holds. Civilians will also be permitted limited travel between northern and southern Gaza, and some will be allowed to cross into Egypt via the Rafah border under strict supervision.
The ceasefire has been met with cautious approval from the international community. The United Nations, the European Union, and the United States all called the agreement a “vital step toward stability,” while warning that “any breach could trigger a catastrophic escalation.”
Egypt, Qatar, and the United States reportedly played key roles in mediating the deal. Egyptian officials have also confirmed that their personnel, along with a small EU delegation, will monitor compliance at the Rafah crossing.
For Israel, the ceasefire offers a window to bring home hostages and regroup militarily. For Hamas, it represents both a lifeline and a test balancing survival against the pressure of international scrutiny.
As calm slowly returns to parts of Gaza, the next 72 hours will determine whether this truce leads to sustained peace or renewed bloodshed.
If Hamas fulfills its obligations and all hostages are safely returned, the ceasefire could pave the way for further negotiations and potential reconstruction efforts. But if the terms are breached, Netanyahu’s warning leaves little doubt Israel is prepared to resume its military offensive with full force.
For now, Gaza and Israel stand suspended between war and peace, their future hinging on whether both sides can hold fast to a fragile promise amid decades of mistrust.