"Gaza Truce Commences: Hostage Release Marks Promising Start"

A four-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has begun, allowing for the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The truce, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, comes after weeks of Israeli bombardment that has killed over 12,000 Palestinians. While some Palestinians are returning to their homes, many find them destroyed. The exact number of hostages and prisoners to be released is unclear, but Hamas is prepared to release 13 hostages in exchange for around 39 Palestinians. Humanitarian aid is also beginning to flow into Gaza, which has been devastated by the conflict.