Thousands of displaced Palestinians began returning to their damaged homes on Friday after a new ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect. This marks the first peaceful day after months of intense fighting in Gaza. Israeli forces have started pulling back from several parts of the region, giving people hope that the long war might finally end.
The scene was emotional — a long line of people walked north through dust and broken buildings toward Gaza City, which had faced one of the worst attacks in the conflict.
“Thank God my house is still standing,” said Ismail Zayda, a 40-year-old resident. “But many homes are gone. My neighborhood is destroyed.”
Ceasefire and Hostage Release Deal
According to the Israeli military, the ceasefire officially began at noon local time. Israel’s cabinet approved the peace agreement in the early hours of Friday, which allowed troops to partially pull back and pause all attacks within 24 hours.
- Hamas will release 20 living Israeli hostages within three days.
- In return, Israel will free 250 Palestinian prisoners and another 1,700 detainees held during the conflict.
- U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that the first phase of troop withdrawal and hostage release has already begun.
Once this deal is fully in action, hundreds of trucks carrying food, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid will move into Gaza. Many civilians who lost their homes have been living in tents for almost two years, waiting for safety and relief.
This is part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace initiative, which aims to end the war and bring world peace to the region. Under this plan, Israeli forces will leave major Gaza cities but still control about half of the area for security reasons.
Israel’s Next Steps and Security Measures
In a televised speech, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel would not fully leave Gaza yet. Troops would remain to make sure Hamas is disarmed and Gaza becomes a demilitarized zone.
“If peace can be achieved easily, good. If not, we will ensure it the hard way,” Netanyahu warned.
The Israeli army advised residents to stay out of restricted zones still under military control. Brigadier General Effie Defrin urged civilians to “keep to the agreement” and stay safe during the transition.
In the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, some Israeli troops began leaving the area, though shelling was still heard near the border. Meanwhile, in Nusseirat Camp, soldiers removed checkpoints but gunfire continued overnight.
People like Mahdi Saqla, 40, said they were eager to return:
“Even if our homes are gone, we just want to go back. After two years of pain, this feels like a dream.”
Hamas Claims the War Is Over
The war, which began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks, killed 1,200 Israelis and led to the capture of 251 hostages. Israel’s retaliation devastated Gaza, killing over 67,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children.
Khalil Al-Hayya, a top Hamas leader in exile, said that he received guarantees from the U.S. and other mediators that the war was now officially over. Both sides have welcomed the truce, calling it a major step toward peace.
Breaking News: Trump is expected to visit the region on Sunday, possibly for a signing ceremony in Egypt. Israeli officials have invited him to address the Knesset (Israel’s Parliament) next week — a symbolic moment for the Middle East conflict.
Remaining Challenges and the Road Ahead
While this deal marks real progress, experts warn that many hurdles remain before lasting peace can be achieved.
- The full list of prisoners and hostages is still not finalized.
- Hamas is demanding the release of several key prisoners.
- The future government of Gaza remains uncertain, especially regarding Hamas’s role.
The Hamas-run interior ministry announced plans to deploy local security forces in areas vacated by Israeli troops. However, it’s not clear if armed militants will return — a move that could trigger renewed tensions.
For now, the ceasefire gives millions of Gazans a small moment of relief. Families are returning to shattered streets, hoping to rebuild their lives. Many describe it as the first sign of hope after two years of destruction.
Hope Amid Ruins
- Thousands of Palestinians returned to Gaza after the ceasefire began.
- Israel and Hamas agreed to exchange hostages and prisoners.
- The U.S. confirmed the start of troop withdrawal and aid deliveries.
- Israel vows to stay in Gaza until full demilitarization.
- The world watches closely as Trump’s peace plan enters its next phase.
This Latest News from the Middle East offers a rare moment of calm after years of tragedy. As people rebuild their lives among the ruins, the world hopes the Gaza ceasefire will mark the beginning of real and lasting peace.
