Two hundred US soldiers arrived in Israel to create a new coordination centre overseeing aid and logistics for Gaza.
Officials confirmed that troops will remain outside Gaza while ensuring the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas proceeds.
US envoy Steve Witkoff joined Central Command head Brad Cooper in Gaza to monitor Israel’s troop withdrawal.
Cooper stated that “no American soldiers will step foot in Gaza,” confirming his command will direct the operation.
Truce Spurs Humanitarian and Prisoner Exchanges
Hamas pledged to release 48 remaining hostages by Monday, with around 20 confirmed alive.
Israel agreed to free 2,000 Palestinian detainees and permit humanitarian aid convoys into Gaza.
Gaza officials reported over 5,000 recovery operations since the truce began, including infrastructure repairs and medical missions.
Relief agencies completed 700 food distribution efforts to support displaced families across the territory.
The World Food Programme announced readiness to reopen 145 aid stations once Israel approves wider supply routes.
The United Nations said Israel granted clearance for expanded humanitarian access starting Sunday.
Gaza Faces Massive Reconstruction Challenge
Hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians trekked through debris-choked streets to reach their devastated neighbourhoods.
Civil defence authorities said 500,000 people have returned to Gaza City since the ceasefire started.
“When they arrive, they find destruction and dust instead of homes,” said UNICEF spokesperson Tess Ingram.
Ingram urged an immediate “humanitarian surge” to confront the enormous postwar damage across the enclave.
Shifa Hospital officials reported receiving 45 recovered bodies from Gaza City rubble within the last day.
US President Donald Trump plans to attend a signing ceremony in Egypt for the Gaza peace accord, signalling a potential end to the two-year war.
