Hamas is reasserting control of parts of Gaza not occupied by Israeli forces as the ceasefire takes hold – amid continuing uncertainty about security in the territory if the group is disarmed.

Hours after Israel withdrew its troops from Gaza City in the opening stage of a US-brokered ceasefire, tens of thousands of Palestinians trudged back to sift through bombed out buildings overseen by Hamas security operatives.

Preparations are underway for aid to enter Gaza and for the release of hostages under a new ceasefire deal. The truce has brought cautious calm to the area.

Hamas is said to have informed mediators that if Israel agrees to release even two of the seven names, it will release the hostages today.

President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner will join Gaza ceasefire talks in Egypt on Wednesday, as Hamas said the two sides had taken an initial step toward a key point of the U.

After months of gridlock, the Israel-Hamas ceasefire in Gaza came together in a matter of days after a deft maneuver — or perhaps a misunderstanding — by President Donald Trump that boxed in the two adversaries.

Negotiators are in Egypt holding talks to finalize a deal based on US President Donald Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan as Israel marks the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks. Follow for live updates.