Around 200 US troops began arriving in Israel to establish a coordination centre supporting Gaza’s ceasefire operations.
Officials said the troops would manage logistics, humanitarian assistance, and security efforts but would not enter Gaza.
US envoy Steve Witkoff and Central Command chief Brad Cooper visited Gaza to verify Israel’s initial troop withdrawal.
“This mission will succeed without US boots in Gaza,” Cooper stated, confirming his command’s leadership of the centre.
Ceasefire Brings Fragile Calm and Relief Efforts
The truce requires Hamas to release 48 remaining hostages by Monday, while Israel frees 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Gaza authorities reported 5,000 public operations since the ceasefire began, restoring water, sanitation, and medical systems.
Relief workers completed about 700 humanitarian missions to distribute food among displaced families across the strip.
The World Food Programme confirmed readiness to reopen 145 food distribution points once Israel expands delivery access.
UN officials said Israel approved increased aid shipments starting Sunday to meet growing humanitarian needs.
Palestinians Return to Ruins as Death Toll Rises
Hundreds of thousands of displaced residents marched through Gaza’s dusty streets to return north.
Civil defence officials said 500,000 people had arrived in Gaza City since the truce took effect.
UNICEF spokesperson Tess Ingram warned returnees would find their homes “reduced to dust and rubble.”
Ingram called for an urgent “surge of humanitarian aid” to rebuild after two years of devastation.
Shifa Hospital reported receiving 45 bodies recovered from Gaza City rubble over the last 24 hours.
US President Donald Trump plans to travel to Egypt for the Gaza peace deal signing, signalling the war’s possible end.
