Gaza Herald – In a historic development, hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians are returning to northern Gaza following the commencement of a ceasefire agreement brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The Israeli military announced the official start of the ceasefire at noon local time on Friday, marking a significant step toward ending the two-year-long conflict that has resulted in over 67,000 Palestinians killed.
As Israeli forces begin their withdrawal from key urban areas, including Gaza City and Khan Younis, displaced families are cautiously making their way back to their homes, navigating through areas previously controlled by Israeli troops. Despite the ceasefire, reports indicate continued Israeli drone activity and airstrikes in certain regions, raising concerns about the full implementation of the agreement.
The ceasefire agreement, finalized on October 9, 2025, includes several key provisions aimed at de-escalating the genocide and addressing humanitarian needs. Under the terms of the deal, Israel has agreed to withdraw its forces to predetermined lines within Gaza, while Hamas has committed to releasing all captives within 72 hours.
In exchange, Israel will release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences. The agreement also stipulates the reopening of the Rafah crossing for humanitarian aid and the return of displaced Palestinians.
Additionally, up to 600 aid trucks are expected to enter Gaza daily to alleviate the severe hunger crisis affecting the population. The United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross are preparing to deliver emergency assistance, although concerns remain about unrestricted access and the safety of humanitarian workers.
