Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal: Gazans returning to destroyed homes as Israeli troops withdraw

Key Concepts US-brokered ceasefire, Hostage release deal, Palestinian prisoner exchange, Post-war governance of Gaza, Humanitarian aid delivery, Donald Trump's Middle East visit, 20-point peace plan, Knesset, Rafah crossing.

---

Ceasefire Implementation and Initial Returns

Following a new US-brokered ceasefire with Hamas, thousands of Palestinians are returning to their homes in the north of the Gaza Strip. Gaza officials report that approximately 200,000 people have returned since the truce took effect at noon yesterday. This movement marks the initial phase of the broader US-brokered agreement.

Hostage Release and Prisoner Exchange

A 72-hour clock is now ticking for Hamas to release the remaining 448 hostages who were seized during the October 7th attacks two years ago. In exchange, Israel is committed to releasing 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 Gazans detained during the war. US President Donald Trump has stated that the hostages are expected to be returned on Monday. The emotional toll of the situation is highlighted by a civilian's statement: "This morning I'm here because I couldn't sleep all night. It's been a few nights that we can't sleep. We want them back and we feel that everything is just hanging on a thread and I can't heal. None of us can."

President Trump's Middle East Visit and Peace Plan

President Trump is scheduled to visit the Middle East tomorrow, with his visit timed to coincide with the expected release of the hostages on Monday. He plans to address Israel's parliament, the Knesset, and may participate in a summit in Egypt focused on the next phase of the plan for Gaza.

Details of Trump's Visit and the 20-Point Peace Plan:

• Signing Ceremony: In Egypt, Trump is expected to attend a signing ceremony alongside other guarantors of the agreement: Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar.
• Gaza Summit: He will also attend a summit dedicated to the future of Gaza and the broader 20-point peace plan. This plan will address the post-war governance of Gaza, security arrangements, and reconstruction efforts.
• Summit Attendees: Senior leaders from Europe, Egypt, the UAE, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, and Indonesia are expected to attend. Notably, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be absent from this meeting.
• Address to the Knesset: On Monday, President Trump will address the Knesset in Israel. This is anticipated as a "victory tour" for him, as he is widely popular in Israel for his role in pushing through the hostage release deal.
• Push for Wider Plan: During his address, Trump is expected to advocate for the implementation of the remaining aspects of his 20-point peace plan, which extends beyond the current ceasefire agreement.

Opposition and Guarantees: The wider peace plan faces opposition from many of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners. These partners have argued that if Hamas is not "destroyed and dismantled," Israel should resume military action after the hostages are released. However, President Trump and the United States have guaranteed that such a scenario "is not supposed to happen and will not happen."

Humanitarian Aid Situation in Gaza

Despite President Trump's assertion of a consensus on the deal's implementation, reports indicate delays in aid entering Gaza.

• Aid Requirements: Humanitarian organizations state that 600 trucks of aid per day are needed to meet the needs of Gaza's population.
• Historical Context: Over the past two years of the war, aid delivery has been significantly below this requirement, often with no trucks entering for extended periods, sometimes as few as 50, and recently around 300 trucks per day.
• Readiness of Aid Organizations: UNICEF and the UN have stated they are "standing by" with 6,000 trucks worth of aid, including medicine and shelter goods, ready to enter Gaza.
• Obstacles: The main crossings required for aid delivery have not yet been opened, and once open, they need to be operated efficiently.
• Urgent Needs: The UN reports that 500,000 people in Gaza require urgent medical treatment due to the effects of famine.
• Infrastructure Rehabilitation: The United Nations is prepared to rehabilitate critical infrastructure, including bakeries, water lines, and the sewage system, once full access to Gaza is granted.
• Positive Development: Italy's defense minister has announced that the Rafah crossing, a major transit point between Gaza and Egypt, is set to open on Tuesday, after being closed for a considerable period.

Conclusion

The current situation in Gaza is characterized by the immediate implementation of a ceasefire, the return of displaced Palestinians, and the critical 72-hour window for a hostage-prisoner exchange. Concurrently, President Trump's upcoming visit aims to solidify the initial agreement and advance a broader 20-point peace plan for post-war Gaza, despite internal Israeli political opposition. A significant challenge remains the efficient and sufficient delivery of humanitarian aid, with international organizations poised to provide extensive assistance once access points are fully operational.