A U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza has led to tens of thousands of Palestinians returning to their destroyed homes, the imminent release of remaining hostages, and the start of scaled-up aid, though significant questions remain about future governance and Hamas's disarmament.
A U.S.-brokered ceasefire has taken effect in the Gaza Strip, raising hopes for an end to the two-year Israel-Hamas war. Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians are returning to the heavily destroyed northern Gaza, with many finding rubble where their homes once stood, particularly after recent Israeli offensives in Gaza City and Khan Younis. The agreement includes the release of the remaining 48 hostages (approximately 20 believed alive) by Monday, in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Concurrently, the United Nations has received clearance to begin scaled-up aid deliveries into Gaza starting Sunday, aiming to address severe malnutrition and famine conditions. However, significant uncertainties persist regarding Gaza's future governance as Israeli troops gradually pull back, and whether Hamas will disarm as called for in U.S. President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to renew military operations if Hamas does not give up its weapons, while also stating that Israel will maintain a defensive presence in the 50% of Gaza it still controls. The Trump plan also envisions an international security force, U.S.-led reconstruction, and a reformed Palestinian Authority, though Netanyahu opposes a Palestinian state. The war, triggered by Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel (killing 1,200 and taking 251 hostages), has resulted in over 67,000 Palestinian deaths and 170,000 wounded, displacing around 90% of Gaza's population. The International Criminal Court is also seeking the arrest of Netanyahu for allegedly using starvation as a method of war, which Israeli officials deny.
