Around 200 US troops arrived in Israel to establish a coordination centre for Gaza’s ceasefire operation.
Officials said the centre will oversee humanitarian aid, logistics, and security support for the region.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Central Command head Brad Cooper visited Gaza to confirm Israel’s first withdrawal phase.
“This mission will succeed without US troops entering Gaza,” Cooper said, confirming his command’s leadership of the effort.
Gaza Begins Recovery Under Ceasefire
Under the truce, Hamas must release 48 remaining hostages by Monday, while Israel frees about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Gaza officials said over 5,000 operations have begun, including repairs to water, sewage, and medical facilities.
Relief agencies conducted 700 missions to deliver food to displaced residents across the strip.
The World Food Programme announced plans to reopen 145 food points once Israel permits expanded deliveries.
UN officials confirmed Israel’s approval to increase aid shipments starting Sunday.
Civilians Return to Ruins as Aid Expands
Gaza’s civil defence agency reported 500,000 people returned to Gaza City since the truce began.
UNICEF spokesperson Tess Ingram warned that families are returning to “rubble and dust” instead of homes.
She urged for “a surge of humanitarian aid” to address years of devastation.
Shifa Hospital staff said 45 newly recovered bodies arrived within 24 hours, raising Gaza’s death toll further.
US President Donald Trump plans to visit Egypt for the signing ceremony marking the end of the two-year Israel-Hamas war.
