Thousands of Palestinians poured north along Gaza’s coast on Saturday, journeying by foot, car, and cart toward their long-abandoned homes as a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas appeared to hold. The truce marks the first major step toward ending two years of war that has devastated the enclave and claimed more than 67,000 Palestinian lives, most of them civilians.
Israeli forces began withdrawing under the initial phase of the agreement, maintaining control over roughly half of Gaza while retreating from major urban areas. The withdrawal triggered a 72-hour deadline for Hamas to release the remaining hostages. Families waited anxiously for word. “We are very excited, waiting for our son and all the 48 hostages,” said Hagai Angrest, whose son Matan is among the 20 believed to be alive. In exchange, Israel is set to free 250 long-term Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 detainees captured during the war.
Under the deal, hundreds of aid trucks are expected to enter Gaza daily, delivering desperately needed food, water, and medical supplies. For many Gazans, the moment brought tears of relief. “It is an indescribable feeling; praise be to God,” said Nabila Basal, walking with her injured daughter. “We are very happy the war has stopped.”
U.S. President Donald Trump, who mediated the ceasefire, expressed confidence in its durability, saying, “They’re all tired of the fighting.” Trump is scheduled to visit Israel and Egypt on Monday, becoming the first U.S. president since George W. Bush to address Israel’s Knesset. His 20-point peace plan envisions a path to rebuild Gaza and stabilize the region, though key details—such as Hamas’s disarmament and Gaza’s future governance—remain unresolved. Still, for war-weary Israelis and Palestinians, the truce brings a long-awaited glimmer of hope for peace.