Jerusalem: A fragile calm has returned to Gaza as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas held into its third day, offering a brief respite from weeks of intense conflict. The ceasefire, brokered with the involvement of U.S. President Donald Trump, comes ahead of a planned release of hostages and signals a potential, though tentative, shift toward diplomatic engagement in the region.
Thousands of displaced Palestinians cautiously began returning to northern Gaza, particularly Gaza City, which had experienced heavy bombardment during recent Israeli military operations. While the ceasefire has permitted civilian movement, the area remains hazardous. Unexploded ordnance, debris, and damaged infrastructure pose serious risks, complicating efforts to restore normalcy for residents who had been forced to flee their homes.
Central to the ceasefire agreement is the anticipated release of hostages held by Hamas. The process is expected to commence on Monday, with Israeli captives being returned in stages over several days. In a reciprocal move, Israel is slated to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, highlighting the delicate and complex negotiations underpinning the ceasefire.
President Trump’s upcoming visit to Israel adds further significance to the unfolding events. During his trip, he is expected to address the Knesset and participate in a regional summit in Egypt aimed at consolidating peace efforts. His diplomatic intervention has been credited with helping secure the current truce, though key issues remain unresolved, including the long-term governance of Gaza and Hamas’s disarmament.
International observers have welcomed the temporary lull in violence, stressing that while the ceasefire provides immediate relief, lasting peace will require sustained diplomatic engagement and concrete measures addressing humanitarian, political, and security concerns. Analysts note that the coming days, particularly the implementation of the hostage release and Trump’s mediation efforts, will be critical in determining whether the region can transition from a cycle of conflict toward meaningful stability.
The ceasefire has thus brought a moment of cautious optimism to Gaza, illustrating the potential impact of high-level diplomatic efforts while underscoring the challenges that remain in securing a durable and comprehensive resolution to the longstanding Israel-Hamas conflict.