GAZA — Tens of thousands of Palestinians began returning to the devastated northern Gaza Strip on Friday as a U.S.-brokered ceasefire came into effect, raising hopes that the two-year Israel-Hamas war could finally be drawing to a close.
Under the agreement, all remaining hostages are expected to be released within days.
Despite optimism, uncertainty remains over who will govern Gaza as Israeli forces gradually withdraw and whether Hamas will disarm, as outlined in U.S. President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who previously broke off a truce in March, warned that Israel could resume military operations if Hamas refuses to surrender its weapons.
“This is a critical step toward ending a ruinous war,” observers said of the ceasefire, which follows months of devastating conflict that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and displaced nearly 90% of Gaza’s population.
Many returning residents are finding their neighborhoods reduced to rubble.
The Israeli military confirmed the start of the truce, saying the remaining 48 hostages — about 20 believed to be alive— would be released by Monday.
Residents in several parts of Gaza reported that intense shelling stopped shortly after the announcement.
Netanyahu said in a televised address that Gaza’s demilitarization is a key goal of the next phase.
“If this is achieved the easy way — so be it. If not — it will be achieved the hard way,” he warned.
Meanwhile, the United Nations received clearance to scale up humanitarian aid deliveries starting Sunday.
About 170,000 metric tons of aid have been pre-positioned in Egypt and Jordan, awaiting entry into Gaza.
U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said only 20% of Gaza’s aid needs have been met in recent months, describing the new ceasefire as a chance to “reset humanitarian operations.”
Thousands of Palestinians — most on foot — poured northward along Al-Rashid Street, repeating scenes from earlier truces. But this time, the destruction is even worse.
Entire blocks in Gaza City have been flattened following Israel’s recent offensive targeting what it said were Hamas strongholds.
“There wasn’t much joy, but the ceasefire somewhat eased the pain of death and bloodshed,” said Jamal Mesbah, displaced from northern Gaza.
In Khan Younis, residents returning to the south found only rubble. “There was nothing left — just a few clothes, some wood, and pots,” said Fatma Radwan, whose home was destroyed. “We came to a place that is unidentifiable. Destruction is everywhere.”
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed and 170,000 wounded since the war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
Israel will release around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages. A list published Friday did not include prominent figures such as Marwan Barghouti, who remains a symbol of Palestinian unity.
Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya said all women and children held in Israeli prisons would be freed.
The exchange process is expected to begin by Monday, according to Egyptian mediators.
Families of Israeli captives expressed cautious optimism. “It still feels like a long way between the announcement and getting Yossi’s body back,” said Stephen Brisley, whose brother-in-law is believed to have died in captivity.
The ceasefire deal includes the reopening of five border crossings, including Rafah, to allow for massive humanitarian deliveries. An international stabilization force, largely composed of Arab and Muslim troops, will oversee Gaza’s security alongside limited Israeli oversight.
The U.S. will deploy about 200 troops to Israel to support monitoring efforts and coordinate the international reconstruction mission.
While the plan envisions a reformed Palestinian Authority taking eventual administrative control of Gaza, Netanyahu has rejected any pathway to Palestinian statehood. — Agencies
