The Israel-Hamas ceasefire entered its third day on Tuesday, with US President Donald Trump expressing doubts about the fragile truce’s durability.
Essential humanitarian aid has started reaching war-ravaged Gaza, following the first exchange of hostages for prisoners under the ceasefire agreement.
Displaced Gazans, affected by over 15 months of conflict, are returning to their homes, traversing through scenes of devastation, while rescue teams search for bodies amidst the rubble.
“Gaza resembles a massive demolition site,” Trump remarked while signing a series of executive orders after his inauguration.
When asked about the likelihood of the truce holding, Trump responded, “That’s not our war; it’s theirs. But I’m not confident.”
Although the ceasefire was brokered by Qatar and the US, Trump has claimed credit for the agreement, contrasting months of unsuccessful negotiations under former President Joe Biden.
One of Trump’s initial actions in office included lifting Biden-era sanctions on Israeli settlers in the West Bank, previously imposed in response to attacks against Palestinians.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas congratulated Trump on his return to office. Netanyahu emphasized working together to secure the remaining hostages, dismantle Hamas’s military capabilities, and ensure Gaza poses no future threat to Israel.
Meanwhile, displaced Gazans, like 30-year-old Ghadeer Abdul Rabbo, hope the ceasefire endures, with the global community ensuring stability.
Under the truce, 33 hostages are expected to be released from Gaza in exchange for 1,900 Palestinians over a 42-day initial phase, during which both parties are to negotiate a permanent ceasefire.
In southern Gaza, Ismail Madi expressed resilience, saying, “We have endured immense hardships, but we will stay and rebuild.”
On Sunday, three Israeli hostages were reunited with their families after 15 months in captivity, followed by the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners from an Israeli jail.
