Two hundred US troops landed in Israel to establish a coordination centre for aid, logistics, and security in Gaza.
Officials confirmed the forces will remain outside Gaza while overseeing the truce between Israel and Hamas.
US envoy Steve Witkoff and Central Command leader Brad Cooper visited Gaza to verify the first Israeli troop withdrawal.
“This mission succeeds without US soldiers entering Gaza,” Cooper said, confirming his command would manage the operation.
Aid Efforts Expand as Ceasefire Holds
The ceasefire deal requires Hamas to release 48 remaining hostages by Monday, about 20 of whom may still be alive.
In return, Israel will release 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and allow humanitarian aid deliveries.
Gaza officials said 5,000 public service operations have taken place, restoring infrastructure and conducting medical and relief work.
Roughly 700 food distribution missions have served displaced residents since the truce began.
The World Food Programme said it was ready to reopen 145 food supply centres once Israel approves expanded access.
UN officials confirmed Israel’s approval to increase aid convoys starting Sunday.
Gaza Residents Return to Devastated Neighborhoods
Hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians walked north through ruined streets toward what remains of their homes.
Gaza’s civil defence agency reported that 500,000 people have reached Gaza City since the truce began.
“When families return, they discover entire communities reduced to rubble,” said UNICEF spokesperson Tess Ingram from central Gaza.
Ingram called for a surge of humanitarian assistance to confront the widespread destruction left by the conflict.
Shifa Hospital’s manager said 45 bodies were pulled from Gaza City debris in the past 24 hours.
US President Donald Trump plans to attend a peace agreement signing in Egypt, signaling an end to the two-year conflict.
