Israel and Hamas appeared on track for a Monday exchange of hostages and prisoners, after a landmark US-brokered truce took effect in Gaza on Friday.
Israeli forces withdrew to an agreed position in the enclave, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to Gaza City.
US President Donald Trump is expected to travel to Israel for the hostages’ return, before flying to Egypt for a summit aimed at finalizing a permanent peace deal.
Coupled with relief and elation over the initial ceasefire is a deeper anxiety over Gaza’s future.
Trump’s plan lacks a legitimate Palestinian partner, while the involvement of Washington, Gulf states, and Turkey could spark a battle for influence in Gaza, an Israel expert wrote in Foreign Affairs. “The most demanding work begins now.”