Gaza residents begin returning home after ceasefire, some celebrate, others mourn
Gaza, January 18 – Thousands of Palestinians took to the streets across Gaza on Sunday as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect. Some celebrated, some visited the graves of their loved ones, and many prepared to return to their homes.
Aya, a displaced woman from Gaza City who has been sheltering in central Gaza for 15 months, said, "I feel like at last I found some water to drink after getting lost in the desert for 15 months. I feel alive again." In northern Gaza, where the most intense Israeli airstrikes and battles with Hamas fighters took place, hundreds of people walked through the rubble and twisted metal.
In Khan Younis, southern Gaza, armed Hamas fighters drove through the city, with crowds cheering and chanting in support, despite a nearly three-hour delay in the implementation of the ceasefire agreement. "All the resistance groups are staying, despite Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu," one fighter told Reuters. "This is a ceasefire, a full and comprehensive one, God willing, and there will be no return to war."
The ceasefire, following 15 months of devastating conflict, has brought hope to Gaza’s 2.3 million people. On the streets of Gaza City, Palestinians waved flags and filmed the scenes on their mobile phones.
However, many residents of Gaza, like Ahmed Abu Ayham, are left in despair and mourning amidst the devastation of their city. "The ceasefire has helped save lives, but it’s not a time for celebration," said Abu Ayham. "We are in pain, deep pain. It’s time for us to hug each other and cry."
The conflict with Hamas began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, killing over 1,200 people.
