Tens of thousands of Palestinians have begun returning to their homes in northern Gaza after Israel pulled back troops from most areas under a ceasefire that began on Friday, local authorities said.

Mahmoud Bassal, spokesperson for Gaza's Civil Defense, which operates under Hamas administration, said about 200,000 people had returned to the north since the truce took effect.“Nearly 200,000 people returned to northern Gaza today,” he told local media.

The truce, brokered through regional and international mediation, has paused months of Israeli bombardment and ground operations, creating a temporary lull that has allowed humanitarian groups to resume limited relief work.

Hamas officials said mediators informed them that the Rafah border crossing with Egypt would reopen by midweek, enabling the movement of civilians in both directions.

Local authorities also confirmed that discussions were underway with Gaza's electricity company to restore power supplies, while humanitarian aid convoys are expected to begin entering the territory freely from Sunday.

The ceasefire, part of a broader peace effort backed by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, follows weeks of negotiations and marks the first significant break in fighting in months.

Aid agencies have urged both sides to maintain the truce and ensure sustained humanitarian access, warning that Gaza's infrastructure and health services remain critically damaged.

The large-scale return of displaced residents reflects cautious optimism among Gazans but also underscores the fragility of the ceasefire as political tensions persist.

Diplomats involved in the mediation say maintaining calm and reopening supply routes will be vital to preventing a slide back into conflict and ensuring the truce holds.

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