About 200 US troops arrived in Israel to set up a coordination centre supporting the Gaza ceasefire plan.
Officials said the troops would manage humanitarian aid, logistics, and security operations without entering Gaza.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Central Command chief Brad Cooper visited Gaza to verify Israel’s initial troop withdrawal.
“This mission will proceed with no US boots on the ground in Gaza,” Cooper confirmed in a statement.
Ceasefire Frees Hostages and Restores Aid Operations
Under the truce, Hamas must release 48 hostages by Monday, with 20 believed to be alive.
Israel agreed to free about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in return.
Gaza authorities reported 5,000 operations since the ceasefire began, restoring water, medical, and relief services.
Officials said 700 aid missions distributed food to displaced residents across the territory.
The World Food Programme confirmed readiness to reopen 145 food distribution points once Israel expands deliveries.
UN officials said Israel had authorised larger aid convoys starting Sunday.
Palestinians Return to Ruins Amid Ongoing Recovery
Hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians travelled north through Gaza’s devastated streets to reach their homes.
Civil defence officials said 500,000 people have already returned to Gaza City since the truce began.
UNICEF spokesperson Tess Ingram warned returning residents would find their homes reduced to rubble.
She urged an urgent increase in humanitarian supplies to address the destruction of two years of war.
Shifa Hospital staff reported receiving 45 bodies pulled from debris across Gaza City in the last 24 hours.
US President Donald Trump plans to travel to Egypt to attend the signing of the Gaza peace accord.
