What is the IDF Doing in Gaza Now?

After long and complex months of combat, the State of Israel can finally witness the results of its determination and sacrifice - the return of our hostages to their families. 

On Friday, October 10th, 2025, at 12:00 PM, the ceasefire agreement came into effect. The conditions of the ceasefire consist of a 20-point plan, whose first phase stated that Hamas would return all 48 of the remaining hostages in Gaza, and fully disarm their militia. Meanwhile, the IDF will retreat to the “Yellow Line” in Gaza, and take a significant amount of our forces out of Gaza, and return palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages. Ultimately, Hamas is expected to be fully disarmed and demilitarized by the end of the war.

The IDF is leading the ongoing operation “Returning Home” to bring the hostages home. The operation is being conducted with sensitivity and professionalism, with medical and mental health professionals present and consulted at every stage. At this stage in time, all 20 of the living hostages have been returned to Israel.

All 20 living hostages have safely been transferred into the hands of the IDF and subsequently reunited with their loved ones, who have waited and prayed for this moment for far too long. The released hostages are currently beginning their recovery process after enduring unimaginable suffering for over two years, and are being treated in various hospitals, under the care of leading medical professionals and surrounded by family and friends.

The returning hostages have been held for two years in barbaric and inhumane conditions by Hamas. The brutality of Hamas and the horrors of October 7th stand at the forefront of our mind as we turn this new page in history, and must never be forgotten.

Regarding deceased hostages, Hamas has returned 12 bodies, and has yet to return the remaining 16, which in itself is a violation of the ceasefire, as it was originally agreed that all hostages would be returned within 72 hours since the signing of the ceasefire agreement.

Meanwhile, the IDF has retreated further out of Gaza, and is currently deployed along an agreed defensive line, “The Yellow Line”, maintaining control and defensive readiness throughout Gaza, and vigilance on all fronts. A significant reduction in IDF forces deployed throughout Gaza has been implemented, and currently only approximately three divisions remain. 

This line runs from the Rafah Crossing in the south of Gaza, bordering Egypt, and goes up to northern Gaza, cutting out much of central Gaza. The IDF has stopped all active operations in Gaza, and is currently keeping a defense status, and initiating counterterrorism activity when necessary. 

In further violation of the terms of the ceasefire, on October 14th, several suspects were seen crossing the Yellow Line. Following clear orders to distance themselves, the suspects did not comply, and continued approaching IDF troops, who adhered to protocol and opened fire to remove the threat. 

Today, October 19th, armed terrorists violated the ceasefire agreement by firing an anti-tank missile and sniper fire toward IDF forces. IDF engineering vehicles were operating to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the Rafah area of southern Gaza, in accordance with the agreement.  

In response, IDF air and ground forces precisely struck the sites and tunnel shafts used in the attack, and will continue to operate in the area to eliminate terrorist threats, dismantle tunnel shafts and military positions used for attacks, in accordance with the agreement.

In a separate incident in the same area shortly thereafter, terrorists directed small-arms fire at IDF troops, resulting in one additional soldier wounded, who was also evacuated for treatment.

As these attacks were unfolding, a third incident occurred when armed terrorists were identified crossing the yellow line in the area of Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza; Time and time again, Hamas violates the ceasefire that has been put in place to secure peace between us.

Our priorities have not changed. The safety of our forces remains a top priority alongside implementing the agreement, and will therefore continue to remove immediate threats posed to the troops. 

From the devastation of the October 7 Massacre, the most brutal massacre in Israel’s history, the IDF’s determined leadership and historic operational success have ushered in a new chapter for the Middle East - weakening the forces of terror and bringing the region closer to a future of stability and peace. Our victory in the seven-front war is a victory for all. Gazans of all backgrounds are celebrating the ceasefire agreement, highlighting the truth on the ground; Everyone is better off without Hamas’ violent terror reign. 

Hamas didn’t just make Israel its sworn enemy, it purposely inflicted harm on the civilians under its own governance. 

With the return of the hostages and Hamas’ governance and infrastructure disassembled in Gaza, the path toward peace has been paved by the IDF. Looking ahead, Israel maintains the ability to act accordingly against any emerging terror threat, because we will never tolerate the type of hate that the October 7th Massacre was launched with, and any threat to our sovereignty. We are always prepared. We are always ready and determined to defeat terror on all fronts.

The IDF’s remaining presence in Gaza and operations are a defensive necessity to ensure that weapons, terror infrastructure, and networks that attacked Israel and hold our civilians hostage cannot be reconstituted. 

Hamas was supposed to return all 48 hostages within 72 hours. They have not.

They were supposed to stop all attacks against IDF forces behind the Yellow Line. They have not. They were supposed to stop threatening our troops. They have not.

Israel will continue acting to secure the release of hostages, protect its civilians, and prevent Gaza from becoming a launchpad for terror.