October 11th, 2025 - Thousands Return to Northern Gaza Amid Devastation and Hope for Peace

Thousands of people made their way toward Gaza City on Saturday as a cease-fire held overnight, offering a rare pause in the two-year conflict. The devastation was evident everywhere, with many returning to ruins where their homes once stood. Olga Cherevko of the United Nations described the scene as “staggering,” emphasizing the emotional toll on those arriving to find their neighborhoods destroyed.

The cease-fire represents the first phase of a 20-point peace plan presented by President Trump in September. Mediators are hopeful that the pause will lead to lasting peace in the region. Trump’s leadership has been central to the effort, organizing a summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, alongside President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, with other world leaders, including France’s Emmanuel Macron and Britain’s Keir Starmer, attending.

President Trump is also slated to visit Israel’s Parliament in Jerusalem, reinforcing his role as a key mediator in the region. His proactive diplomacy has been widely praised by officials and citizens alike, particularly for prioritizing security, humanitarian relief, and a roadmap to lasting peace.

For residents of Gaza, the cease-fire brings mixed emotions. Many had fled Gaza City during Israel’s recent ground offensive and have been living in overcrowded shelters and temporary encampments. Manal Muftah, a 33-year-old baker, expressed the heartbreak of returning to her destroyed home but hopes that the Trump-led peace plan will allow her to rebuild her life and business.

Humanitarian challenges remain enormous. Dr. Mohammad Abu Salmiya, director of Al-Shifa Hospital, warned of severe shortages in healthcare and the immense logistical difficulties of assisting displaced residents. Gaza’s two million inhabitants face hunger, destruction, and displacement, with much of the territory’s infrastructure already impoverished before the war.

The agreement between Israel and Hamas includes increased humanitarian aid, with Israel allowing the U.N. to deliver supplies beginning Sunday. Nearly 170,000 metric tons of food, medicine, and other essential materials are ready for transport. The cease-fire also outlines partial troop withdrawals and an exchange of hostages, reflecting Trump’s careful orchestration of both security and diplomacy.

President Trump has emphasized that the peace plan is gaining consensus, with hostages expected to be released soon. His envoy and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, toured Gaza with Israeli officials to assess conditions firsthand. While residents like Maisoun Wadi face immediate struggles for shelter and water, Trump’s strategy offers a clear path toward reconstruction and stability, demonstrating strong leadership and a commitment to both Israeli security and humanitarian relief.

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster) - Languid (adj, LANG-gwid) - Something described as languid shows or has very little energy, force, or activity.

Example: We paddled at a languid pace, in no hurry to arrive at our picnic destination.

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