Roughly 200 American soldiers landed in Israel to establish a new centre coordinating aid, logistics, and security for Gaza.
US officials confirmed the mission’s focus on enforcing the truce between Israel and Hamas without troops entering Gaza.
US envoy Steve Witkoff and Central Command leader Brad Cooper inspected Gaza to verify Israel’s first stage of withdrawal.
“This mission proceeds with no American boots in Gaza,” Cooper stated, confirming his command’s leadership role.
Truce Spurs Relief and Prisoner Exchange
The ceasefire deal requires Hamas to free 48 hostages by Monday, about 20 believed alive.
In exchange, Israel will release 2,000 Palestinian detainees and permit humanitarian access to Gaza.
Gaza’s authorities reported more than 5,000 recovery operations, including repairs, medical services, and food missions.
Relief teams restored essential infrastructure while aid groups distributed supplies to displaced families across the strip.
The World Food Programme prepared to reopen 145 distribution centres once Israel allows expanded deliveries.
The United Nations confirmed Israel’s approval to increase aid operations starting Sunday.
Gaza Residents Return to Destruction
Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians trekked back north through ruined streets to reach their demolished homes.
Civil defence officials said 500,000 people have already returned to Gaza City since the truce began.
“When families arrive, they face devastation instead of shelter,” UNICEF spokesperson Tess Ingram said from central Gaza.
She urged a “massive wave of aid” to confront the destruction of the past two years.
Shifa Hospital’s management reported receiving 45 bodies pulled from debris, missing for up to two weeks.
US President Donald Trump plans to visit the region soon for a peace agreement signing in Egypt, signaling a potential end to the conflict.
