GAZA/ JERUSALEM:
The Israeli occupation army announced on Friday afternoon the completion of its initial troop withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, a crucial step in implementing the recently agreed-upon ceasefire and hostage release deal.
In a statement, the Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli army confirmed that its forces have successfully positioned themselves along the new “operational deployment lines” dictated by the ceasefire agreement and the terms for the return of the hostages. The spokesperson added that the troops remain deployed in the area and will “continue to work on eliminating any immediate threat.”
The completion of the partial withdrawal immediately triggered a mass movement of displaced Palestinians. Immediately following the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the coastal Rachid Street (also known as Al-Rashid Street), thousands of displaced people began streaming north from the southern Gaza Strip, attempting to return to their homes in Gaza City and the northern part of the enclave.
However, joy was quickly tempered by the visible damage. Video clips emerging from Gaza City showed significant destruction to citizens’ homes and properties, revealing the extent of the devastation across residential neighborhoods. The Israeli military had previously warned residents not to approach areas where forces were still stationed along the new deployment lines.
The military pullback also commenced the countdown for the first phase of the hostage exchange. According to reports from the Hebrew-language Channel 12, Hamas is obligated to deliver the hostages within 72 hours of the completion of the withdrawal, setting the deadline for 12 noon on Monday. The first phase of the deal, brokered by the US and regional mediators, involves the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
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