Israel has announced a ceasefire in Gaza after more than two years of intense fighting, allowing thousands of displaced Palestinians to begin returning to their destroyed homes. The truce, brokered by US President Donald Trump, has raised hopes for lasting peace and relief for families still mourning their losses.
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The Israeli army confirmed that its forces stopped firing at noon and started pulling back from several parts of Gaza, including Gaza City and Khan Yunis. The Pentagon later confirmed that the first phase of Israel’s withdrawal had been completed, though the military still controls over half of the territory. Under the deal, Hamas will release 47 hostages, while Israel plans to free 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 Gazans as part of a large-scale exchange.
As calm returned, long lines of Palestinians began walking north from Khan Yunis toward their homes, carrying what little they could. Many said the ceasefire brought mixed emotions: relief that the bombings had stopped, but sadness over the destruction left behind. Gaza’s civil defense agency confirmed that Israeli troops and armored vehicles were withdrawing, though several areas remain unsafe.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his government had approved the framework for the deal and described it as a day of national joy. However, major issues such as Hamas’s disarmament and the future administration of Gaza are still unresolved. Despite these challenges, the truce has given the people of Gaza their first chance in years to return home and begin rebuilding their lives.
