Written by Lisa Murimi
Thousands of Palestinians poured northward along Gaza’s battered coastline on Saturday, making their way on foot, by car, and by donkey cart toward homes they had fled months earlier.
Their return followed the first signs that a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was holding under a U.S.-brokered agreement aimed at ending two years of devastating conflict.
Israeli forces began pulling back from key positions in Gaza as part of the deal, which seeks to halt a war that has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, displaced millions, and left much of the enclave in ruins.
For many residents, the truce brought relief and disbelief in equal measure. “It is an indescribable feeling; praise be to God,” said Nabila Basal, walking with her injured daughter. “We are very, very happy that the war has stopped, and the suffering has ended.”
U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the U.S. Central Command, arrived in Gaza early Saturday to oversee Israel’s military redeployment.
Cooper said their presence was part of forming a task force to support stabilisation and aid efforts in Gaza, though he stressed U.S. troops would not be deployed inside the enclave.
Under the terms of the agreement, Hamas has 72 hours to release Israeli hostages once the withdrawal is completed.
In exchange, Israel will free 250 long-term Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 detainees captured during the war.
“We are very excited, waiting for our son and for all the 48 hostages,” said Hagai Angrest, whose son remains captive. “We are waiting for the phone call.”
Hundreds of trucks carrying food, fuel, and medical supplies are expected to enter Gaza daily as part of the ceasefire’s humanitarian phase.
Despite the cautious optimism, doubts remain about whether the truce will pave the way for lasting peace. Key elements of Trump’s 20-point Middle East plan—including Gaza’s future governance and Hamas’ disarmament—have yet to be finalized.
Speaking from the White House, Trump expressed confidence that “everyone is tired of fighting,” adding that there was “consensus on the next steps,” though some issues still needed resolution.
Trump is expected to travel to Israel and Egypt on Monday, becoming the first U.S. president to address Israel’s parliament since 2008.
