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Palestinians Return to Gaza Ruins as Ceasefire Holds for Second Day

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The ceasefire in Gaza has remained intact for its second day, allowing tens of thousands of Palestinians to return to their devastated neighborhoods. As they sift through the wreckage of a war that has lasted two years, the stark reality of their situation is evident. “Gaza is completely destroyed. I have no idea where we should live or where to go,” stated Mahmoud al-Shandoghli in Gaza City, where bulldozers are clearing debris.

On the other side of the border, Israelis celebrated the anticipated release of hostages held in Gaza. As US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former President Donald Trump, addressed a rally in Tel Aviv, the crowd responded with applause and cheers. Witkoff assured the gathering, estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands, that “to the hostages themselves, our brothers and sisters, you are coming home.”

The Israeli government believes that approximately 20 of the 48 remaining hostages are still alive. Many attendees at the rally expressed a mix of joy and apprehension about the future. “It’s a really happy time, but we know that there are going to be some incredibly difficult moments coming,” remarked Yaniv Peretz, a participant in the event.

As the situation unfolds, around 200 US troops have arrived in Israel to monitor the ceasefire with Hamas. They will establish a center to facilitate humanitarian aid and provide logistical and security assistance. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the US military’s Central Command, emphasized that this effort will be conducted without US troops entering Gaza.

The ceasefire agreement stipulates that Hamas must disclose information related to any hostages not released within the first 72 hours. Israel, in turn, has committed to sharing details about the remains of deceased Palestinians held in Israel. This information will be exchanged through a mechanism supported by mediators and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The agreement also outlines procedures for the exhumation and release of hostages and prisoners, without the involvement of public ceremonies or media coverage.

In a significant development, Israel is expected to release around 250 Palestinians currently serving prison sentences, along with approximately 1,700 individuals who were detained without charge over the past two years. Humanitarian organizations have urged Israel to open additional crossings to facilitate aid into Gaza. A UN official, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, indicated that Israel has approved expanded aid deliveries starting March 16, 2025.

The World Food Programme has prepared to restore 145 food distribution points across Gaza, which has been severely affected by famine. This expansion comes after Israel had previously closed off access to food supplies. Before the blockade was implemented in March 2023, UN agencies operated 400 distribution points throughout the territory. While the specifics of how food supplies will enter Gaza remain unclear, the new distribution points will enable Palestinians to access food more easily than through the limited locations previously available.

As the ceasefire continues, questions arise regarding the future governance of Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has hinted at the possibility of resuming military action if Hamas does not disarm, which is called for in the ceasefire agreement. The extent of Gaza’s destruction will become clearer if the truce remains in place, and the death toll is expected to rise as more bodies are discovered.

Reports from Al-Shifa hospital in northern Gaza indicate that 45 bodies were recovered from the rubble in Gaza City over the past 24 hours. These individuals had been missing for several days to two weeks. The conflict began in March 2023, following a Hamas-led attack that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people in Israel. The subsequent Israeli military offensive has claimed over 67,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza’s health ministry, which reports that nearly half of those killed were women and children.

The ongoing war has not only led to significant loss of life but has also sparked regional conflicts, ignited worldwide protests, and prompted allegations of genocide, which Israel firmly denies. As the situation evolves, the need for a lasting resolution remains urgent.

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