October 13, 2025

Big changes are happening in the war-torn Gaza Strip! On Sunday, preparations were in full swing to bring much-needed help into Gaza under a fresh ceasefire deal, offering hope to millions after two years of grim conflict. COGAT, Israel’s defense body for Gaza aid, said about 600 trucks packed with life-saving supplies will enter the area daily as agreed. Egypt is sending 400 trucks on Sunday filled with medical kits, food, blankets, tents, and fuel. But before crossing, Israeli troops will carefully check each truck. AP footage showed a long line of trucks crossing the Rafah border from Egypt towards Gaza. Inside Gaza, workers are fixing roads to make sure aid reaches people fast, shared Abeer Etifa, spokeswoman for the World Food Program. Yet, questions remain on who will deliver food in future. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), backed by Israel and the U.S. to replace the UN as Gaza’s main food provider, saw some distribution points shut down after the ceasefire. Palestinians reported chaos and deadly shootings at GHF sites. The Israeli military claims shots were warnings to control crowds. Meanwhile, a huge plan gears up for freeing hostages. Gal Hirsch, Israel’s coordinator for Hostages and the Missing, told families to prepare for their loved ones’ return starting Monday. Hospitals and camps are ready to welcome live hostages, while an international team will look for missing deceased inside the rubble. Out of 48 hostages held in Gaza, around 20 are believed alive and all should come home Monday. The big spotlight is also on Donald Trump, who pushed for this ceasefire. He will land in Israel Monday morning to meet hostage families and talk at the Knesset. Then, he heads to Egypt to lead a "peace summit" with world leaders. About 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in Israel, including 250 serving life sentences, are also set for release — but their timing waits in the wings. Gaza’s Health Director, Dr. Mounir al-Boursh, says many returning prisoners need urgent care. He also hopes the bodies of medical staff who died in Israeli jails will be handed back, pleading for the release of two detained doctors. People in Gaza are slowly returning home after Israeli forces moved out, despite many houses lying in ruins. Satellite images show packed vehicles moving north toward Gaza City. Residents have lived by the sea to dodge bombings. Armed Hamas police patrol the streets and help aid trucks move safely. The ceasefire pause allowed rescue teams to recover over 100 bodies buried under rubble. Yasser el-Bureis finally retrieved two cousins lost for months, saying, "For five months, we didn't manage to recover the bodies." This war started with a shocking Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 Israelis and taking 250 hostage. In retaliation, Israeli strikes killed over 67,000 Palestinians in Gaza, with many women and children among them, as per Gaza’s Health Ministry. The war shattered Gaza, leaving 90% of its 2 million people displaced, sparking protests and harsh accusations worldwide. Though the ceasefire brings relief and the promise of hostage and prisoner releases, big puzzles remain. Who will govern Gaza? What’s the future of Hamas? Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans to destroy Hamas tunnels under US supervision after hostages are safe. The coming days are full of surprises and hope. Will peace hold? Only time will tell as the world watches Gaza’s fragile calm unfold with care and tension.

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Tags: Gaza, Ceasefire, Humanitarian aid, Hostages release, Donald trump, Israel-palestine conflict,