Around 200 US soldiers landed in Israel to build a coordination base for humanitarian and security efforts linked to Gaza.
Officials confirmed the troops will remain outside Gaza while supervising the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Central Command leader Brad Cooper inspected Gaza on Saturday to verify Israel’s troop pullback.
“This mission succeeds without US forces entering Gaza,” Cooper stated, confirming his team will direct the operation.
Ceasefire Brings Aid and Rebuilding Efforts
Hamas agreed to free 48 hostages by Monday, with about 20 thought to be alive, in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Israel committed to easing access for humanitarian deliveries as part of the truce terms.
Authorities in Gaza reported over 5,000 public projects since the ceasefire started, including infrastructure repair and health support.
Relief workers conducted 700 food missions to aid displaced civilians facing shortages after two years of conflict.
The World Food Programme announced readiness to reopen 145 food centres once Israel allows expanded supply routes.
UN officials said Israel authorized greater aid entry starting Sunday to accelerate recovery efforts across Gaza.
Palestinians Return to Devastated Communities
Hundreds of thousands of displaced residents travelled through debris-filled streets toward northern Gaza to reclaim their homes.
Gaza’s civil defence confirmed that roughly 500,000 people had reached Gaza City since the ceasefire began.
“When they arrive, they see nothing but wreckage,” said UNICEF’s Tess Ingram, urging vast humanitarian support.
She stressed that a ceasefire alone cannot rebuild the destruction caused by two years of bombardment.
Shifa Hospital reported 45 corpses recovered from Gaza City ruins in the past day, missing for up to two weeks.
US President Donald Trump plans to attend the Gaza peace accord signing in Egypt, signalling a potential close to the long war.
