GAZA – A fragile calm has returned to Gaza following the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Streets once filled with rubble are now seeing displaced Palestinians cautiously returning to what remains of their homes, carrying memories of loss and hope for peace.
The ceasefire, which began at noon local time (09:00 GMT) on Friday, brought an end — at least temporarily — to days of intense bombardment. According to officials, Israeli forces have started repositioning along new borders set under the agreement, marking the first phase of withdrawal confirmed by U.S. Special Representative for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.
The agreement includes a 72-hour window for the release of hostages and humanitarian access to Gaza. However, the toll on Palestinians remains devastating. Gaza’s Wafa news agency reported that the bodies of at least 155 people were delivered to hospitals across the Strip on Friday, most recovered from under the debris of destroyed buildings.
Hospitals across Gaza received the deceased: 43 bodies at al-Shifa Hospital, 60 at al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital, and several others across Deir el-Balah and Khan Younis. Medical officials also confirmed that at least 19 Palestinians were killed in airstrikes on Friday, including 16 members of a single family in Gaza City. It remains unclear whether these strikes occurred before or after the ceasefire took effect.
For displaced Palestinians, the truce brings both relief and sorrow. “We’re returning home with wounds and memories,” said Ameer Abu Iyadeh from Khan Younis. Another resident, Mohammed Mortaja, prayed his home in Gaza City would still be standing, hoping “the war will end for good.”
Despite grief, many residents expressed gratitude for the pause in fighting. In a joint statement, Hamas and other Palestinian factions reaffirmed that Gaza’s governance is an internal matter, rejecting foreign interference.
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Regional leaders and international organizations have welcomed the ceasefire and pledged to assist in Gaza’s reconstruction, emphasizing that peace and rebuilding are now the foremost needs of the Palestinians.
