Gaza City: Thousands of displaced Palestinians began returning to their homes in Gaza on Friday, as a fragile ceasefire brokered between Israel and Hamas held for a second consecutive day. The temporary halt in hostilities, facilitated through U.S. mediation, marks a critical pause in a conflict that has plagued the region for over two years, leaving extensive devastation in its wake.
In the streets of Gaza City and Khan Younis, residents navigated through scenes of destruction. Buildings lay in ruins, streets were littered with debris, and entire neighborhoods had been reduced to rubble. Despite the physical devastation, there was a strong sense of relief and cautious optimism among those returning. Nabila Basal, who walked home carrying her daughter, a victim of a recent head injury sustained during the conflict, expressed heartfelt gratitude: “It is an indescribable feeling; praise be to God. We are very, very happy that the war has stopped, and the suffering has ended.”
The ceasefire agreement stipulates that Hamas will release all remaining hostages within 72 hours. In return, Israel has pledged to free 250 long-term Palestinian prisoners along with 1,700 other detainees. Humanitarian aid is also being mobilized rapidly to meet the urgent needs of returning families, including medical support, food supplies, and temporary shelter for those whose homes were destroyed.
While the truce offers a glimmer of hope, significant challenges remain. Hamas has rejected calls for international oversight, complicating efforts to enforce the broader peace plan. The question of Gaza’s governance and long-term security remains unresolved, leaving many residents uncertain about the future.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who played a central role in mediating the ceasefire, is expected to visit Israel and Egypt in the coming days to encourage further steps toward stabilization. Meanwhile, international observers remain cautiously optimistic, hoping that this temporary calm may pave the way for lasting peace in a region long scarred by conflict and suffering.