Around 200 US troops arrived in Israel to set up a coordination centre supporting the Gaza ceasefire.
US officials said the team would organise humanitarian aid, logistics, and security assistance but would not enter Gaza.
US envoy Steve Witkoff and Central Command head Brad Cooper visited Gaza to verify Israel’s initial troop withdrawal.
“This mission will succeed without US boots in Gaza,” Cooper said, confirming his command would oversee the effort.
Ceasefire Brings Aid and Recovery Efforts
The truce requires Hamas to release 48 hostages by Monday, with about 20 believed still alive.
In return, Israel will free 2,000 Palestinian prisoners as part of the agreement.
Gaza authorities said over 5,000 public operations began since the ceasefire, restoring infrastructure and delivering relief.
Officials reported 700 humanitarian missions distributing food to displaced residents across Gaza.
The World Food Programme announced readiness to reopen 145 food distribution centres once Israel allows expanded deliveries.
The UN confirmed Israel approved increased aid shipments starting Sunday.
Gaza Faces Ruins as People Return
Hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians walked home through dust-filled streets in northern Gaza.
Civil defence officials said 500,000 people reached Gaza City since the truce started.
UNICEF’s Tess Ingram warned that returning residents would find “rubble” where homes once stood.
She urged a “massive humanitarian surge” to address the devastation of two years of conflict.
Rescue workers continued retrieving bodies trapped under ruins, with 45 recovered in Gaza City within 24 hours.
Hospital officials said many victims had been missing for up to two weeks.
US President Donald Trump plans to attend the Gaza peace agreement signing in Egypt, marking a potential war’s end.
