Macron says 'Palestinian governance' needed in Gaza as ceasefire enacted
French President Emmanuel Macron has told his Palestinian counterpart Mahmud Abbas that a return to Palestinian governance was needed in Gaza as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect on Sunday. Displaced Palestinians have started returning to the Gaza Strip and three Israeli hostages released.
An initial 42-day truce – brokered by Qatari, US and Egyptian mediators – came into effect on Sunday ending more than 15 months of war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Under the plan, a total of 33 Israeli hostages are to be released in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinians in Israeli custody.
The first three Israeli hostages – Emily Damari, Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher – were released on Sunday as planned. They were handed over by Hamas militants to the Red Cross.
Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said the hostages, all women, were "in our hands and on their way home".
Dozens of Palestinian prisoners are due to be released by Israel in exchange later on Sunday.
European Council Chief Antonio Costa said the truce brought a "much needed glimmer of hope to the region".
Joy in Israel at hostage release but fears for those still held
Displaced Palestinians head home
As the ceasefire took effect mid-morning, thousands of displaced Palestinians set off across the devastated Gaza Strip to return home.
The truce is intended to pave the way for a permanent end to the war, but a second phase has yet to be finalised.
Read more on RFI English
Read also:
Gaza ceasefire to begin Sunday morning, after Israeli approval
Hope and fear at Paris rally for Gaza hostages as truce takes effect
Israel intensifies strikes on Gaza as world leaders hail Hamas ceasefire deal