Exhausted Palestinians streamed back to shattered neighborhoods after a Gaza ceasefire took hold, with Gaza’s civil defense saying about 200,000 have returned to the north. Survivors described homes flattened in Gaza City and Khan Younis as Israeli forces pulled back and shelling largely subsided. The UN, cleared by Israel, plans to scale up deliveries from Sunday, including 170,000 metric tons of aid, amid warnings of malnutrition and a looming winter. While celebrations marked progress under US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, Hamas rejected any foreign guardianship. Under the deal, 48 remaining hostages are due for release within days.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.