Thousands of Palestinians Return to What’s Left of Their Homes as Gaza Ceasefire Takes Effect

Buildings destroyed in Israeli strikes surround makeshift shelters for displaced Palestinians in Gaza City on August 8, 2025. Israel’s military will “take control” of Gaza City under a new plan approved by the Premier’s security cabinet, touching off a wave of criticism from both inside and outside the country. (Photo by Bashar TALEB / AFP) (Photo by BASHAR TALEB/AFP via Getty Images)

WADI GAZA, Gaza Strip (AP) — Tens of thousands of Palestinians headed back to the heavily destroyed northern Gaza Strip as a U.S.-brokered ceasefire came into effect on Friday. The deal has raised hopes for ending the Israel-Hamas war, with all the remaining hostages taken in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack set to be released within days. Questions remain over who will govern Gaza as Israeli troops gradually pull back and whether Hamas will disarm, as called for in U.S. President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who unilaterally ended a ceasefire in March, hinted that Israel might renew its offensive if Hamas does not give up its weapons.