After 15 months of relentless war that devastated much of Gaza, jubilant celebrations erupted across the besieged Palestinian enclave as a long-awaited ceasefire came into effect.
The truce began at 11:15 a.m. local time (09:15 GMT) on Sunday, following Hamas’ handover of three female captives to Israel via mediators, marking the first step in the agreement.
“My joy is beyond measure,” said Om Salah, a Gaza resident. “From the moment the ceasefire was announced, I quickly packed my belongings, ready to return to Gaza City. My children are thrilled to reunite with family, relatives, and the land we left behind.”
Amid scenes of happiness, another young resident expressed cautious optimism. “Everyone is overjoyed, especially the children. I just hope the ceasefire holds in the coming days,” he said. Looking to the future, he added, “All I want now is to continue my education. So many dreams were shattered during this genocide.”
‘We Survived’
Scenes of celebration were widespread. Health workers and rescue teams, many of whom had been on the frontlines of the devastation, were seen chanting and raising victory signs in the streets. Verified videos shared on social media showcased Gaza’s civil defense teams celebrating their survival and perseverance.
Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud, reporting from outside Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah, confirmed the ceasefire was steady. “Since the truce took effect, there’s been no sound of bombs, jets, or drones. The only gunfire we hear comes from celebrations—accompanied by frequent fireworks.”
The ceasefire followed a brutal final day of conflict, during which Israeli strikes killed at least 19 Palestinians, bringing the total death toll to nearly 47,000 over the war’s duration. Palestinian rights organizations contend that the actual numbers could be significantly higher.
Picking Up the Pieces
For many, the joy of surviving the war is mixed with the daunting reality of returning to devastation. Refugees and displaced families began dismantling makeshift shelters at hospitals and evacuation centers, eager to reclaim what little remained of their homes.
“We’re seeing families enthusiastically packing their belongings—what little they’ve managed to collect during their displacement,” Mahmoud reported. “Their faces light up as they leave the hospital gates, even though uncertainty awaits them.”
Among the displaced, Anwar from Khan Younis expressed a deep longing for home, despite knowing that his house in Rafah had been destroyed. “I need to go back to where I was born,” he said. “I’ll find somewhere to pitch a tent for my family of eight.”
The nightmare of war is etched into Anwar’s memory. “Living in flimsy tents without enough food or water felt surreal. Prices for basic goods were terrifyingly high. But even that feels better than living as we did during the bombings.”
For many returning residents, the scale of destruction is overwhelming. Mahmoud Anwar Abu-Salem, who returned to northern Gaza after three months in a refugee camp, was devastated by what he found. “My family’s five-story building is now rubble. Fifty of us have no choice but to live on the streets.”
The destruction has extended to schools, mosques, and entire neighborhoods, leaving survivors questioning how they will rebuild their lives.
Hope and Anxiety
While many celebrate the newfound calm, the ceasefire has not completely relieved. For some, uncertainty remains about when and how they can return to their homes. Nour Saqqa, displaced from Gaza City, described the complicated emotions accompanying the fragile peace.
“We’re still not fully at ease, even with the ceasefire,” she said. “Its phased implementation creates additional anxiety. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, and we’re unsure if this relief will last.”
Despite the immense challenges, Palestinians hold onto hope. The celebrations, smiles, and chants reflect a deep resilience. While the war has left Gaza physically devastated, the spirit of survival and determination remains unbroken.
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