Thousands of Palestinians began returning to northern Gaza on Friday as the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas officially took effect.
Israeli forces have pulled back to positions outlined in the U.S.-backed Trump plan, though the military says it will continue to act against any immediate threats.
Columns of residents moved cautiously through dust and rubble towards Gaza City, the enclave’s largest urban area, which has seen some of the heaviest fighting in the recent conflict.
The ceasefire, activated at noon local time, follows Israel’s formal approval of the first phase of the Trump-mediated deal, which also includes a hostages-for-prisoners exchange. Hamas now has 72 hours to release all Israeli hostages, while Israel will free hundreds of Palestinian detainees in return.
Under the agreement, Israeli forces will withdraw from major urban areas in Gaza but maintain control over roughly half of the territory. Humanitarian aid is expected to surge into the enclave once the deal is fully operational, providing food and medical supplies to millions, many of whom have been displaced and are sheltering in temporary tents after homes were destroyed in the fighting.
