Gazans Return Home Amid Ceasefire as Israeli Forces Withdraw from Gaza City

Ceasefire and Withdrawal

• 🤝 Israeli forces withdrew from the road leading to Gaza City on Friday, following a ceasefire deal with Hamas.
• 🚶 Thousands of Palestinians began moving north towards the city, which had been under Israeli assault for the past month.
• ⚠️ Gunfire nearby caused hesitation among residents, creating confusion about the exact cessation of fighting.

Destruction and Displacement

• 🏠 In Gaza City, residents like Fidar Haraz searched for remnants of their homes amidst widespread destruction.
• 💔 Many found only ruins, expressing despair and uncertainty about where to live.

Hostage Release and International Relations

• 🕊️ Israel's government ratified the ceasefire, aiming to suspend hostilities within 24 hours.
• ⏳ Hamas is expected to release Israeli hostages held in Gaza within 72 hours as part of the first phase of a US initiative.
• 🙏 Jewish prayers were held in Tel Aviv's hostage square, with a strong sense of hope and connection to the hostages' families.
• 🇺🇸 President Trump indicated he would travel to the region in anticipation of the hostages' release.

Unanswered Questions and International Scrutiny

• 🤔 The plan leaves questions about Hamas's disarmament and the future governance of the Gaza Strip.
• 🇺🇸 The war has strained US-Israeli relations, with Trump reportedly pressuring Prime Minister Netanyahu.
• ⚖️ Israel faces international isolation, accused of genocide by a UN commission and human rights experts.

Humanitarian Aid and Casualties

• 🚚 Trucks carrying food and medical aid are set to enter Gaza to assist civilians suffering from hunger and famine.
• 🚑 Rescuers recovered bodies from earlier strikes in previously inaccessible areas of Gaza City.
• 💔 The conflict has resulted in over 67,000 Palestinian deaths and 1,200 Israeli deaths, with 251 hostages taken.