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Around half a million Palestinians are returning to Gaza City following the start of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The truce followed extensive efforts and negotiations between Israel, Hamas, the USA, and Arab nations. The deal was orchestrated by US President Donald Trump, who hopes to bring peace to the region. The first phase of his peace deal involved the withdrawal of Israeli military from a large section of Gaza, and for Hamas to release the 48 hostages remaining in captivity. The laying down of arms has allowed hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to head north to Gaza City, most of which is in ruins after two years of being bombarded and reduced to rubble.
Emotions have been running high in recent days among Israelis and Palestinians. Alongside the release of the Israeli hostages, nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees are expected to be freed. The brother-in-law of hostage Omri Miran told the New York Post: "I have yet to process it all. I am naturally happy that this nightmare may soon be over." Gaza City residents are relieved to be able to return home, despite the widespread destruction, almost no infrastructure, no electricity, and no running water. One resident said: "I pray that God relieves our sorrow and distress, and that people return to their homes." Another man was more cautious after being displaced 20 times in the past two years.
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