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Tens of thousands of Palestinians began heading back to the north of the Gaza Strip on Friday as a US-brokered ceasefire came into effect in a deal that raised hopes for ending the Israel-Hamas war.

Questions remain over who will govern Gaza as Israeli troops pulled back and whether Hamas will disarm, as called for in US President Donald Trump's 20-point ceasefire plan.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who unilaterally ended a previous ceasefire in March, hinted that Israel might renew its offensive if Hamas does not surrender its weapons.

The latest truce nevertheless marks a key step toward ending a ruinous two-year war that was triggered by the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel.

The fighting has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and displaced around 90% of the Gaza population of some 2 million, often multiple times.

Displaced Palestinians pass by destroyed buildings as they return to their homes in the Zeitoun neighbourhood of Gaza City, 10 October, 2025 AP Pho

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