That made it a metaphorical lifeline for many Palestinians — a vital connection to the rest of the world. When the attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, ignited the war with Hamas, Rafah became the only potential escape route from Gaza, and tens of thousands flocked to the south in hopes of fleeing the conflict.

Israel says the remains of the final hostage in Gaza have been recovered, clearing the way for the next phase of the ceasefire that stopped the Israel-Hamas war.

Israel's military says the remains of Ran Gvili, the last person whose body was taken hostage into Gaza, have been recovered.

Gaza’s technocratic committee replaced its logo with one resembling the Palestinian Authority’s emblem, prompting Israel to reject the move and restate opposition to any PA role in post-war Gaza.

The returnees reunited with families but also said their homecomings carried symbolic weight — defying any schemes to permanently displace Gazans.

Israel has expressed anger after the interim government for Gaza replaced its logo with the one used by the Palestinian Authority (PA ). The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), which sits under Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, is tasked with the day-to-day running of the war-torn Strip as part of the US-brokered peace process.

While Israel has faced sharp criticism over its war in Gaza, start-up executives say foreigners are eager to buy systems developed and tested on the battlefield.

President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner laid out a plan for a "New Gaza." A close look suggests it makes room for fewer Palestinians and less housing.