
Jubilation and sorrow gripped Gaza on Sunday as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect, ending 15 months of conflict that devastated the enclave. Some residents celebrated in the streets, waving flags and chanting, while others visited graves or sifted through the wreckage of their homes.
“I feel alive again,” said Aya, a displaced woman from Gaza City. Having spent over a year sheltering in Deir Al-Balah, she expressed hope of returning home, even if it lies in ruins.
In northern Gaza, where intense battles raged, residents navigated the rubble, hoping to rebuild. Armed Hamas fighters paraded through Khan Younis as crowds cheered, while others remained cautious, mourning the lives lost and the destruction inflicted.
The ceasefire, delayed by three hours, paused a war that killed nearly 47,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials, and brought political upheaval across the region. Israeli strikes during the delay claimed 13 more lives before quiet settled at 11:15 a.m.
As part of the agreement, aid began flowing into Gaza. Trucks carrying fuel and supplies crossed border checkpoints, with plans to deliver 600 truckloads daily over the next six weeks. Half of these are destined for northern Gaza, where famine looms.
For many, relief is tempered by grief. “The war ended, but the pain remains,” said Ahmed Abu Ayham, who returned to a devastated Gaza City with his family. “This is a time to hug one another and cry.”
While hopes rise for lasting peace, Aya voiced a sentiment shared by many: “There will be no more bloodshed of women and children, I hope.”