After months of devastation, thousands of Palestinians are making their way back to their homes in Gaza following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Streets once filled with rubble now see weary families carrying their belongings — hopeful for peace, yet haunted by loss.
The ceasefire, which officially began at noon local time (09:00 GMT) on Friday, has brought a temporary halt to Israel’s relentless bombardment. Palestinians from across the Strip began returning to what remains of their homes, with the Israeli army repositioning itself along new borders under the agreement.
US Special Representative for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, confirmed that Israel had completed the first phase of its withdrawal. A 72-hour period has now begun for the release of hostages as part of the agreement.
Gaza’s streets tell stories of loss, survival
According to Gaza’s Wafa news agency, the bodies of at least 155 Palestinians were delivered to hospitals across the Strip on Friday. Of these, 135 were recovered from under the rubble of destroyed buildings as rescue teams gained access to previously unreachable areas.
Hospitals across Gaza received the deceased: 43 bodies arrived at al-Shifa Hospital and 60 at al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital in Gaza City. Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat received four, al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah received 16, and 32 were taken to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.
Medical sources said that at least 19 Palestinians were killed in Israeli air strikes on Friday, including 16 members of the Ghaboun family in Gaza City. While the ceasefire was declared, it remains unclear if these strikes occurred before or after it went into effect.
Displaced families return home with ‘wounds and sorrow’
For many displaced Palestinians, returning home brings both relief and heartbreak.
In Khan Younis, 32-year-old Ameer Abu Iyadeh expressed gratitude but said their return was filled “with wounds and sorrow.”
Mohammed Mortaja, 39, prayed his home in Gaza City would still be standing. “We only hope the war will end for good, so we’ll never have to flee again,” he said.
Areej Abu Saadaeh, 53, who lost both her son and daughter during the conflict, said, “I’m happy about the truce and peace, even though I grieve for my children deeply. Yet, the truce also brings joy: returning to our homes.”
In a joint statement, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front declared that the governance of Gaza is a purely internal Palestinian matter, rejecting any form of foreign patronage.
Meanwhile, Arab and international leaders have welcomed the ceasefire and expressed willingness to support Gaza’s reconstruction efforts. Many regional organizations are now coordinating humanitarian and rebuilding assistance.
