Residents of western Negev worry about security after ceasefire with Hamas but are defiant in their will to stay. 'I'm not giving Hamas that victory,' says Netiv Ha'asara resident

Military says 'no expense has been spared' in beefing up protection for Gaza-adjacent line, using new technologies and physical defenses, in addition to surveillance capabilities The post IDF: Ashkelon-Sderot train line,

A six-week initial ceasefire phase agreed by Israel and Hamas includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from central Gaza and the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza, as well as an increase in aid and for hostages to be released in exchange for Palestinian detainees.

Israel delayed the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza for two days because they accused Hamas of violating the terms of the ceasefire agreement by not releasing Yehoud, a civilian, on Saturday. Palestinians began returning to the north on Monday morning after negotiations.

Storyline: Beit Hanoun, a town in the northern Gaza Strip bordering Israel, has seen no signs of conflict since the ceasefire agreement took effect on Sunday. The area was a frequent target for the Israeli military,

Asher Pizem, 35, from the Israeli city of Sderot, said the deal had merely postponed Israel's next confrontation with Hamas. He also criticized Israel for allowing aid into Gaza, saying it would ...

Released Romi Gonen embraces loved ones at Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Israel, after being held in Gaza since the deadly October 7 2023 attack by Hamas, in this handout image obtained by Reuters on January 19, 2025. Maayan Toaf/GPO/Handout via REUTERS

In Israel, people were divided over the agreement. Asher Pizem, 35, from the city of Sderot, said the deal had merely postponed the next confrontation with Hamas. He also criticized Israel for ...

The three women were in stable condition, Sheba Medical Center said, and authorities released footage of them reuniting with their families, hugging fiercely and sobbing.

Israelis divided over ceasefire deal In Israel, people were divided over the agreement. Asher Pizem, 35, from the city of Sderot, said the deal had merely postponed the next confrontation with Hamas.

It’s important to show the world that something good is happening,” said CEO of the Ayalim Association Sigal Barzelay.

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians streamed into Gaza’s most heavily destroyed area on Monday after Israel opened the north for the first time since the early weeks of the war with Hamas, a dramatic reversal of their exodus 15 months ago.