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Gaza City lies in ruins after 15 months of intense fighting, with over 300,000 displaced Palestinians beginning their return northward. Mediators are commencing negotiations for the second stage of a ceasefire, which could pave the way for peace talks and reconstruction efforts. Meanwhile, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners are being exchanged with Israel in return for hostages, as part of an agreement brokered by Hamas and supported by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, including nearly 47,000 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces. Netanyahu faces criticism from within his government for not proceeding with the ceasefire, which some view as insufficient to hand over power to Hamas. The unfolding drama highlights the delicate balance between peace efforts and political complexities in the region.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/palestinians-return-gaza-city-mediators-look-ahead-next-stage-2025-01-28