[Discussion] IDF Begins Gaza Withdrawal Preparations as Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Takes Hold

[Uncrowned Guard]

IDF Initiates Preparations for Gaza Withdrawal Following Ceasefire Accord

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Thursday the commencement of operational preparations for a withdrawal from Gaza, marking a potential turning point as Israel and Hamas reached an agreement to bring an end to a war that has spanned nearly two years.

Steps Toward Implementation and Security Readiness

In an official statement, the IDF indicated that, adhering to directives from the political leadership and following current situation assessments, "operational preparations ahead of the implementation of the agreement" are underway. These preparations involve adjusting troop deployments and establishing new combat protocols for a transition to alternate deployment lines within the region.

Despite the movement toward withdrawal, the IDF emphasized its continued presence and operational readiness in Gaza, noting that forces remain on alert for any possible developments on the ground.

Details and Mediation of the Israel-Hamas Agreement

On Wednesday night, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the agreement’s first phase, reportedly encompassing an Israeli military withdrawal, a ceasefire, and a prisoner-hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas. While the full text of the agreement has not been made public, sources suggest it includes provisions for humanitarian assistance and mechanisms for monitoring compliance.

Negotiations to broker the accord were mediated with the support of Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt, taking place in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh. Both Israeli and Hamas officials have publicly affirmed the central tenets of the agreement, which Hamas described as including "an end to the war on Gaza, the occupation’s withdrawal, the entry of aid, and a prisoner exchange."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with President Trump to mark the "historic achievement" in securing the release of all hostages. Netanyahu has also extended an invitation to Trump to address Israel’s parliament, the Knesset.

Impact and Humanitarian Context

The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when a Hamas-led attack inside Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the taking of 251 hostages. In the months since, Israeli military operations in Gaza have led to significant loss of life and displacement, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The death toll is reported at over 67,000, including more than 20,000 children and 10,000 women, with approximately 1.9 million Gazans—90% of the enclave’s population—displaced, and critical infrastructure largely destroyed.

The ongoing war has attracted international scrutiny, with allegations of war crimes and genocide leveled at Israel. International Criminal Court proceedings have resulted in arrest warrants for Prime Minister Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant on charges including the use of starvation as a weapon of war.

Agnes Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, called the agreement "cruelly overdue" for those affected, noting that the announcement would do little to erase the immense suffering already endured by victims on both sides.

International Oversight and Security Arrangements

As part of efforts to monitor and maintain the cease-fire, a U.S. military contingent of 200 personnel will be deployed in the region to oversee the Gaza truce, U.S. officials confirmed. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, will lead the team tasked with observation and ensuring compliance with the agreement.

The multinational oversight body will include military officials from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and possibly the United Arab Emirates. While U.S. officials stated unequivocally that no American troops are expected to enter Gaza itself, the joint security arrangement is designed to foster cooperation and instill confidence among all parties.

According to U.S. officials, the presence of Admiral Cooper played a critical role in reassuring regional actors and underlining the seriousness of U.S. commitments. The joint control center, to be established under this arrangement, will coordinate with the IDF and other international observers, aiming to deconflict military operations and facilitate the agreement’s implementation.

Looking Ahead

The agreement represents a significant development toward de-escalating one of the region’s most intense and devastating conflicts in recent history. As operational preparations continue, the international community will be observing closely to assess the durability of the ceasefire and the unfolding humanitarian response in Gaza.

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