Thousands of Palestinians streamed back toward northern Gaza on Friday as a US-brokered ceasefire took hold, offering a fragile pause after two years of ruinous war. Israel pulled back to agreed lines yet said it would operate defensively from about half the territory it still controls. Forty-eight hostages are to be freed by Monday in a swap for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, and border crossings, including Rafah, are slated to reopen. The UN plans scaled-up aid starting Sunday. Amid shattered homes and grief, Netanyahu warned Hamas must disarm under Trump’s plan or face a renewed offensive.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.