Fragile Gaza Ceasefire Holds as Displaced Palestinians Begin Returning Home

Israel and Hamas reach an agreement allowing displaced residents to return to northern Gaza in exchange for the release of six hostages this week.

Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians have started returning to the northern Gaza Strip following a breakthrough in negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
The agreement includes the release of six Israeli hostages by Hamas, with three to be freed on Thursday and three more on Saturday.
The ceasefire, which has been in place for two weeks, is part of a six-week initial phase aimed at facilitating prisoner exchanges and ending the 15-month-long conflict.
The return of displaced Palestinians comes as international criticism mounts over U.S. President Donald Trump's suggestion to relocate Gaza's population to Egypt or Jordan, a proposal widely condemned as ethnic cleansing.
In a separate development, the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has been extended until February 18, despite ongoing tensions and reported violations by Israeli forces.