Welcome back to our coverage of events in the Middle East.
As the 72-hour period for the release of the hostages held by Hamas progresses, thousands of Palestinians are making the long journey from the south of the territory toward Gaza City.
Israeli forces have withdrawn from parts of Gaza under the terms of the ceasefire deal. Israel Defense Forces spokesperson said troops would still be present in various areas of the enclave, warning people to avoid approaching them.
Here are the latest developments in the region:
Aid awaiting transfer: More than 1,300 trucks are ready to take aid into Gaza, UNICEF said in a statement Friday, calling on “all parties” to open the besieged enclave to humanitarian supplies. The trucks are “ready to bring in tents, nutrition items, essential medicines and vaccines, learning and recreation kits, and water and sanitation supplies,” the UN’s children’s agency said.
Israel’s aid plans: Israeli security officials told CNN that 600 aid trucks will be allowed into Gaza every day as part of the ceasefire agreement’s humanitarian clause.
Hostage families hold prayers: Families of Israeli hostages held prayers and Friday night dinner at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv last night as they awaited the return of their loved ones.
“Tired of fighting”: US President Donald Trump told reporters Friday that he thinks the Gaza ceasefire plan will hold because countries involved in and affected by the conflict are “all tired of the fighting.”
Uncertainty remains: The anticipated release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners in the first phase of the ceasefire plan is the “easy part,” Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations has said. The more “complex part” will come next, said Ambassador Danny Danon, as both sides figure out how to implement the second phase, including demilitarization of Gaza.
Palestinian prisoners: Palestinian paediatrician Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, whom Israeli forces detained last year, will not be released as part of the ceasefire agreement, according to a source from the militant group. Nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees in Israel will be freed as part of the agreement.
