Israel Announces Ceasefire as Forces Withdraw from Gaza

According to Rokna, citing CNN, as Israeli forces began withdrawing from parts of Gaza City, the director of Al-Shifa Hospital reported the discovery of dozens of Palestinian bodies following the pullback.

Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of Al-Shifa Hospital, confirmed that at least 33 bodies of Palestinians were recovered and transferred to the hospital after Israeli troops withdrew from certain areas of Gaza City.

He added that some of the bodies were too badly damaged to be immediately identified, and were therefore sent to Al-Shifa — the only hospital in Gaza equipped with a forensic medicine department.

List of 250 Palestinian Prisoners Set for Release

CNN correspondents Mostafa Salem and Tim Lister reported that Israel’s Justice Ministry has released the full list of 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences who are set to be freed as part of the ceasefire and hostage-exchange agreement.

More than half of these prisoners will be deported to third countries, while around 100 will be released in the occupied West Bank.

The list notably excludes some of the most prominent figures:

Marwan Barghouti, a senior Fatah leader imprisoned more than 20 years ago for allegedly planning terror attacks — charges he denied — is not among those to be released.

Two senior Hamas officials, Ibrahim Hamed and Hassan Salameh, are also missing from the list. However, Mahmoud Qawasmeh, a senior Hamas member arrested for the second time in 2024, is included.

Others listed for release include Mohammad Zakarneh, convicted of planning the 2009 killing of a taxi driver, and Mohammad Abu al-Rub, convicted of a fatal stabbing attack in 2017.

Iyad Abu al-Rub, commander of Palestinian Islamic Jihad in the Jenin area, will also be released. He was accused of planning several suicide bombings in the early 2000s.

Also included is Baher Bader, a Hamas member arrested in 2004 for planning attacks that killed 18 Israelis.

Current Developments

Ceasefire in effect: The Israeli military confirmed that a ceasefire is now in force across Gaza, with troops withdrawing in accordance with a government-approved agreement.

On the ground: Thousands of Palestinians have been seen walking from southern Gaza toward Gaza City. The Israel Defense Forces warned civilians to stay away from areas where troops remain deployed.

Netanyahu’s remarks: In a televised address, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu implied for the first time that not all hostages held by Hamas may return alive.

What’s next: The 72-hour timeframe for the release of hostages held by Hamas has officially begun. In return, around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees in Israeli jails will also be released.
Israeli police confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Israel on Monday.