Gaza Ceasefire Takes Effect as Palestinians Return to Ruined Homes
A US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has taken effect, allowing tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians to begin returning to heavily damaged areas in the northern Gaza Strip. The deal includes the release of remaining hostages in exchange for some 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. While bringing a halt to the two-year conflict, questions remain over the long-term governance of Gaza and whether Hamas will disarm as stipulated in the US plan. Scaled-up humanitarian aid is set to enter Gaza Sunday.
Unpacked:
The conflict escalated after a Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023, resulting in widespread violence and military operations by Israel in Gaza. The fighting continued with intermittent ceasefires and escalations, causing significant destruction and displacement in Gaza.
Hostage exchanges have occurred in phases, with Hamas releasing Israeli hostages—initially women and older men—in return for Israel releasing Palestinian prisoners, primarily women and children, many of whom were detained without trial. Later phases involve further exchanges, including the remains of deceased hostages for more prisoners.
Major challenges include uncertainty over who will govern Gaza, whether Hamas will disarm as required by the US plan, and the rebuilding of devastated infrastructure. There are also disputes over prisoner releases and the enforcement of ceasefire terms by both sides.
After the ceasefire, hundreds of aid trucks have entered Gaza from Israel and Egypt, delivering food and fuel. However, humanitarian access has been hindered by ongoing security concerns and accusations from both sides of violating the ceasefire terms, which sometimes delays aid delivery.