The Israeli military has withdrawn its troops in line with a newly ratified ceasefire agreement, prompting displaced families in Gaza to begin moving north.

The deal, approved by Israel’s government, initiates a “phase one” involving a captive exchange and an Israeli withdrawal from parts of Gaza. While Hamas claims to have received US and mediator guarantees that this means the war has “ended completely,” the wider plan for lasting peace remains unclear.

The agreement sets a 24-hour timeline for fighting to stop and a 72-hour period for Hamas to begin releasing Israeli captives. The conflict has resulted in immense casualties, with over 270,000 Palestinians and 1,139 Israelis killed since October 2023.

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