Ceasefire in Gaza takes effect; Israel pulls troops back from the border as displaced Palestinians return home

International Desk | PNN:
The Israeli military has pulled its forces back from the designated Gaza border under the ceasefire agreement. Meanwhile, many displaced Palestinian families from the southern region have begun returning north, according to local sources.

Under the “first phase” of the ceasefire approved by the Israeli government, prisoner exchanges and partial troop withdrawals have commenced. However, there is still uncertainty about how effective this agreement will be in achieving long-term peace.

In a recent statement, the Israeli military said the ceasefire took effect at 12:00 PM local time (GMT 09:00). The southern command has taken positions according to the agreement lines and remains ready to respond to any immediate security threats.

Meanwhile, Israeli media reported that nearly 600 trucks carrying relief supplies—including food, medicine, fuel, and shelter materials—will enter Gaza daily under the supervision of the UN and other authorized organizations. At the same time, residents of Gaza who had taken shelter in Egypt during the conflict are being allowed to return to their homes.

As part of humanitarian aid, Germany has announced €29 million (approximately $34 million) to help rebuild Gaza. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated, “Germany is ready to take responsibility for Gaza’s reconstruction and humanitarian assistance.”

Separately, Indonesia has denied visas to Israeli gymnasts in protest against the Gaza war. The country’s sports authorities said Indonesia will not maintain any diplomatic or sports-related relations with Israel until it fully recognizes Palestine as an independent state.

Despite the ceasefire, the psychological impact on Gaza’s children remains severe. Local aid organizations noted that children who grew up hearing bombs and gunfire will require a long period of mental rehabilitation.