Gazans flood back to ruined homes

THE clock is ticking today for Hamas to honour its ceasefire and hostage promise in Donald Trump’s historic Middle East peace deal.

- By Martyn Brown

A 72-hour countdown began after the Israeli government approved the first phase of the US president's plan to end the bombardment of Gaza.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Gazans started streaming back to the ruins they left behind yesterday.

Captives

Mr Trump’s plan requires the militants to free all 48 Israeli captives, including the 20 believed to be alive, by noon on Monday when he is expected to arrive in the region.

In return, nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners will be released, including 250 serving life sentences.

Israel must also allow a surge of aid into the besieged enclave, home to two million people, which is in the grip of famine. Hours after a ceasefire came into effect, Hamas operatives were spotted in Gaza — the first time they have been seen in public since the previous ceasefire.

However, parts of the Gaza Strip were hit by Israeli jets yesterday.

The latest pause in the two-year war came after President Trump turned the screw on Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to force an agreement.