Gaza (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – On Saturday, thousands of Palestinians trekked north along the coast of Gaza, returning on foot, in cars, and by cart to their vacated homes, as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas appeared to be taking hold, Reuters said.
Earlier this week, Israeli troops pulled back as part of the first phase of a U.S.-brokered agreement designed to bring an end to fighting that has crushed tens of thousands of lives and devastated the enclave.
How many prisoners and hostages will be exchanged?
As per the agreement, once the hostages are transferred, Israel will release 250 Palestinians with long prison sentences and 1,700 detainees captured during the conflict. According to the agreement, hundreds of trucks are expected to enter Gaza daily, carrying food and medical supplies.
How will US troops assist in monitoring the ceasefire?
Moreover, up to 200 US troops currently stationed in the Middle East will be relocated to Israel to assist with monitoring the ceasefire in Gaza, according to US officials. The US military will set up a multinational taskforce in Israel, called a civil-military coordination centre, likely including troops from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE, according to reports.
A senior official stated that no US forces will enter Gaza, and clarified that the American role is to establish a Joint Control Center to “integrate” the multinational force operating there. The taskforce, led by US Central Command (Centcom) based in the region, will oversee the ceasefire agreement’s progress and coordinate humanitarian aid.
What unresolved issues remain under the current ceasefire terms?
Experts still question whether the ceasefire and hostage exchange, the largest move so far in ending two years of war, will result in lasting peace under U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan.
Many issues remain unresolved. Key elements of Trump’s 20-point plan are still under discussion, such as the governance of the Gaza Strip after fighting stops and Hamas’s final status, given that it refuses Israel’s disarmament demands.
Speaking to journalists at the White House, Trump voiced confidence the ceasefire would hold, saying: “They’re all tired of the fighting.” He said he believed there was a “consensus” on the next steps, but acknowledged some details would still have to be worked out.
