Pakistan, Oct. 10 -- Israeli forces began withdrawing from several parts of Gaza on Friday following a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, bringing a fragile sense of relief after two years of devastating conflict. Thousands of displaced Gazans cautiously returned to what remains of their neighbourhoods, many finding their homes reduced to rubble. "Thank God my house is still standing," said one resident, while others described entire districts wiped out by months of intense bombardment. Despite the truce, fear and uncertainty still lingered across the enclave.

Israel's government formally ratified the ceasefire in the early hours of Friday, setting in motion plans to withdraw troops and fully suspend hostilities within 24 hours. Under the d...