• A ceasefire in Gaza has been declared, leading to Israeli troop withdrawal and hostages' imminent release.
• Over 67,000 Palestinians have died due to the two-year conflict, with widespread destruction reported across the region.
• Key issues remain unresolved, including the disarmament of Hamas and governance of Gaza post-conflict.
• US President Donald Trump brokered the ceasefire, which is seen as a critical but fragile step towards peace.
• Humanitarian aid is set to flow into Gaza as thousands of displaced Palestinians begin returning home.

A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has officially come into effect, marking a significant moment after two years of conflict that resulted in devastating casualties, with over 67,000 Palestinians killed according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The ceasefire, brokered by US President Donald Trump, includes a withdrawal of Israeli troops and provisions for the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Reports indicate that the ceasefire’s success hinges on both parties' compliance with the terms, which remain contentious, particularly around issues such as Hamas's disarmament and Gaza's governance, according to SCMP, India Times, and Africanews.

As the ceasefire takes effect, **tens of thousands of Palestinians** have begun to return to their homes in northern Gaza, facing the grim reality of destruction and loss. Many residents describe scenes of devastation upon their return, with homes reduced to rubble and a prevailing sense of despair. "There was nothing left. Just a few clothes, pieces of wood and pots," lamented Fatma Radwan, a displaced Palestinian returning to Khan Younis. The scale of destruction exacerbated humanitarian conditions, which are already dire, as the UN prepares to facilitate increased aid deliveries into the area, reports SCMP, The Jakarta Post, and Los Angeles Times.

Despite the ceasefire, many critical questions remain regarding the future of Gaza. Observers note that the terms stipulated in Trump's peace plan include disarmament of Hamas and the establishment of a governing authority to replace its rule. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated Israel's intent to demilitarize Gaza while ensuring that Hamas cannot retain its arms. Experts suggest that the successful implementation of the ceasefire may rely on an Arab-led international security force to oversee governance, something Hamas has yet to accept fully. "The peace deal may be in motion but the path ahead remains uncertain," highlighted sources, including India Times and SCMP.

International leaders have expressed both commitment and caution over the ceasefire outcomes, emphasizing the need for careful negotiation and follow-through on humanitarian and governance issues. Trump's administration is facing the challenge of ensuring compliance from both Israel and Hamas while navigating complex regional dynamics. As hostilities have ceased, observers remain uncertain if the ceasefire will lead to a sustainable peace in a region fraught with historical tensions, according to SCMP, Los Angeles Times, and The Jakarta Post.