The long-anticipated ceasefire agreement between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Hamas movement officially took effect in the volatile Gaza Strip on October 10, 2025, precisely at 12:00 local time. This moment of cessation of hostilities represents the successful culmination of intense, high-stakes diplomatic negotiations. Major international players, including the United States of America, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, played instrumental roles as key mediators in brokering this fragile peace. The compromise reached signals a crucial and necessary shift, moving the protracted conflict away from the active phase of confrontation and into a complex period focused on implementing the arrangements designed to stabilize the regional security landscape.
Immediate military action followed the truce’s commencement. The IDF swiftly announced that Israeli troops had begun the process of relocating to predetermined operational boundaries. This systematic redeployment constitutes the initial stage of the comprehensive peace blueprint, a plan originally championed by US President Donald Trump. IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee confirmed publicly that the withdrawal of forces was underway. Despite this de-escalation, the Southern Command of the Israel Defense Forces issued a statement emphasizing that its units would maintain full operational readiness and the capacity to respond swiftly and decisively to any immediate security threats that might materialize. Simultaneously, the Gaza Ministry of Internal Affairs reported the deployment of its own security personnel into the urban and rural areas recently vacated by Israeli units, with the stated objective of restoring civil order and governmental function.
The fundamental terms of the deal, which secured the necessary approval from the Israeli government, are centered on two primary components: a phased withdrawal of Israeli military personnel and a reciprocal exchange of detainees. Hamas representative Khalil al-Hayya confirmed that the movement had received ironclad assurances from the mediating nations regarding the complete and definitive cessation of the war. As part of the exchange mechanism, Israel committed to releasing 250 Palestinian prisoners currently serving life sentences, alongside 1,700 individuals who were detained subsequent to the attacks of October 7, 2023. Crucially, this group includes all women and minors held by Israel. In return, the release of all remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza is expected to be completed within a tight window of 72 hours following the official ratification of the agreement.
Confirmation regarding the immediate implementation timeline arrived swiftly. Steve Whitkoff, the US Special Envoy to the Middle East, utilized the platform X to share a vital update, stating unequivocally that “The 72-hour period for the release of hostages has already begun.” This post underscored the urgency and immediacy of the exchange process now underway.
Beyond the critical military and prisoner exchange provisions, the newly forged accord also mandates the immediate initiation of large-scale, unimpeded humanitarian aid deliveries into the Gaza Strip. A key logistical element involves the requirement for the Rafah crossing to resume full operations, facilitating movement and commerce in both directions. The global community reacted positively to this significant step toward reconciliation. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze was among the international figures who publicly welcomed the agreement, specifically highlighting the indispensable and decisive role played by sustained diplomatic engagement. Furthermore, to ensure robust compliance and transparency regarding the truce terms, American military personnel are scheduled to arrive shortly to participate in an international monitoring group established for this purpose.