An Egyptian-mediated truce between Israel and Hamas began on Friday and US President Joe Biden pledged to salve the devastated Gaza Strip with humanitarian aid after the worst fighting in years.

Palestinians, many of whom spent 11 days huddled in fear of Israeli shelling, poured into Gaza's streets. Mosque loudspeakers feted "the victory of the resistance achieved over the occupation."

In the countdown to the 2am cease-fire...