The Israel Defense Forces have completed the first phase of the withdrawal of troops from the Gaza Strip
The Israel Defense Forces have completed the first phase of the withdrawal of troops from the Gaza Strip as part of the implementation of the initial phase of the peace plan to end hostilities. About this Donald Trump’s special representative for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, said with reference to the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
According to him, a 72-hour period has begun during which Hamas must release the hostages. Israel’s Justice Ministry has released a list of 250 prisoners it plans to release in exchange for Israeli prisoners as part of a cease-fire deal with Hamas. The list does not include the names of several Palestinian leaders whose release Hamas is demanding, including Marwan Barghouti, Ahmad Saadat, Hassan Salameh and Abbas al-Sayed.
Let us remind you that on September 30, 2025, US President Donald Trump held a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, during which he announced a plan to cease fire in Gaza. On October 3, Hamas sent a response to the US president, agreeing to release the prisoners captured during the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
On October 9, 2025, Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had signed the first phase of the peace plan. The United States, together with its partners, will form a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF), which will be rapidly deployed in Gaza. The ISF will train and support proven Palestinian police units; will cooperate with Israel, Egypt and Jordan, as well as coordinate the de-escalation mechanism.
