A U.S.-brokered ceasefire took effect in Gaza this week, initiating the first phase of a deal to end nearly two years of war between Israel and Hamas.
Israeli troops withdrew from parts of the enclave as Hamas began releasing Israeli hostages in a 72-hour swap for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, with 200 U.S. troops deployed for monitoring and Arab partners pledging reconstruction aid.
While Israeli crowds in Tel Aviv celebrated the breakthrough with chants for President Trump, Palestinians voiced outrage over documented abuses and demands for broader justice, amid reports of Hamas rebranding forces to maintain control.
