Desk Report: Thousands of displaced Gazans embarked on a difficult journey back to their home areas yesterday as a much-anticipated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect. The truce, which was delayed by several hours, allowed humanitarian aid trucks to enter Gaza, but many returning residents were greeted by the devastating remnants of their homes.
Despite the truce being delayed for nearly three hours, the UN confirmed the arrival of the first aid trucks just after the ceasefire began. These trucks, loaded with essential supplies, marked the beginning of efforts to provide relief to Gaza’s war-ravaged population.
The ceasefire, which had been scheduled for 8:30 am, was delayed due to last-minute negotiations over the hostages to be freed. While this dispute continued, Israel’s military operations persisted, with bombardments resulting in casualties. The Gaza Civil Defence Agency reported 19 dead and 25 injured in the hours leading up to the ceasefire.
As the truce finally took hold, displaced Gazans, many carrying tents, clothes, and belongings, began returning home. After over 15 months of war, which displaced a large portion of Gaza’s population multiple times, many found their homes reduced to rubble.
In northern Gaza, particularly in Jabalia, residents faced what they described as “unprecedented destruction.” Walid Abu Jiab, a returnee, said: “We came here at six in the morning and found nothing but rubble. There’s nothing left in the north worth living for.”
For others like Thaer al-Masri from Beit Lahia, the emotional impact of returning to their home areas was overwhelming. “Should we grieve, rejoice, or cry over what has happened?” he reflected. “The only emotion we feel is pain – the loss of our home, our friends, our city.”
In the southern region of Khan Yunis, those still displaced expressed joy at the prospect of returning home. Aya, who had sought refuge in Deir Al-Balah, shared her relief: “It’s like finding water after being lost in the desert for 15 months. I feel alive again.”
The northern part of Gaza remains particularly devastated, lacking basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter. Aid workers and the UN have focused on this area, where trucks carrying vital supplies, including prefabricated homes, began entering the territory.
Despite the initial delay, the ceasefire was confirmed after mediation by Qatar, with the promise of releasing hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The first group of hostages, three women, were freed by Hamas and taken to Israeli forces for medical evaluation.
The ceasefire is part of a larger deal negotiated by Qatar, the US, and Egypt, aiming to bring about a permanent end to the conflict. However, the full details of the agreement are still in flux, with both sides expressing mixed reactions.
In Israel, there were cautious hopes for the ceasefire’s success. “I don’t trust either side,” said Israeli taxi driver David Gutterman, reflecting the skepticism shared by many. Meanwhile, in Gaza, the return of displaced families was met with a mixture of joy and grief, as many face the difficult task of rebuilding their lives from the ashes.
Humanitarian officials noted the ongoing challenges, with the full recovery of Gaza still uncertain. However, the ceasefire and the aid flow offer a glimmer of hope for those returning to their devastated homeland.