Washington,USA- October 5, 2025
In a dramatic development in the Gaza conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump yesterday published a map of an “initial withdrawal line” that he says Israel has agreed to, marking the beginning of a phased Israeli pullback from the Gaza Strip.
What the Map Shows
• The map delineates the first phase of Israeli withdrawal, under which Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) would retreat from parts of Gaza while retaining control of key zones including the Philadelphi Corridor (on the border with Egypt) and areas in northern Gaza.
• In the early stage, the withdrawal would reduce Israeli-occupied territory in Gaza. Some analyses suggest that, after phase one, approximately 55 % of Gaza would still remain under Israeli control.
• The map hints at deeper withdrawals in later phases, with potential for Israel to hold only ~15 % of Gaza in a final buffer zone, though these future steps are contingent on agreement and security conditions.
Trump, in a post on his Truth Social account, stated:
“After negotiations, Israel has agreed to the initial withdrawal line … Once Hamas confirms, the ceasefire will take effect immediately.”
Political and Military Responses
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has affirmed support for the broader Trump plan. But internal political resistance exists, particularly from hardline and security-focused factions skeptical of early withdrawal.
• Despite the announcement, Israeli military operations have not fully ceased. Orders have been issued to scale back the Gaza City campaign and shift to a more defensive posture, while continuing air strikes elsewhere in Gaza.
• Hamas has reportedly given conditional acceptance of Trump’s ceasefire framework, including the release of hostages, but has questioned parts of the withdrawal plan and the demand for demilitarization.
• Negotiations are underway in Cairo with Israeli, U.S., and Hamas delegations, tasked with finalizing the deal’s technical terms.
Strategic Implications & Risks
• The map’s phased structure suggests Israel wants to retain strategic leverage during withdrawal, especially in border and buffer zones.
• Critics argue the plan heavily favors Israeli security concerns over practical considerations for Gaza’s reconstruction, civilian safety, and Palestinian governance.
• Key questions remain: Will Hamas agree fully to the map’s terms? Will the withdrawal be sustained under pressure? Can a ceasefire hold while both sides still face deep distrust?
What Comes Next
• Hamas’ formal reply and acceptance of the withdrawal map will trigger the official start of the ceasefire and hostage exchange.
• The map’s next phases—extended withdrawal, demilitarization, transition of governance—depend heavily on how the first stage unfolds and whether security guarantees can be enforced.
• International mediators, particularly in Egypt and Qatar, will play a crucial role in bridging gaps, ensuring humanitarian access, and preventing renewed escalation.
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This map release marks one of the boldest proposals yet in the Gaza war, offering a possible pathway toward de-escalation—but many obstacles remain.
