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