Thousands of Palestinians took to the streets across Gaza on Sunday as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect, marking a significant pause in the 15-month-long conflict that has devastated the region. While many celebrated, others visited the graves of lost relatives, and many rushed back to their homes, reflecting a complex mix of emotions.

Aya, a displaced woman from Gaza City who has been sheltering in Deir Al-Balah for over a year, expressed her relief, stating, “I feel like at last I found some water to drink after getting lost in the desert for 15 months. I feel alive again,” as reported by Reuters.

Armed Hamas fighters rode through Khan Younis, cheering crowds chanting “Greetings to Al-Qassam Brigades,” despite the ceasefire's implementation being nearly three hours delayed. Hamas police, previously avoiding visibility due to the threat of Israeli airstrikes, returned to some areas, signaling a shift in the immediate security landscape.

One fighter noted, “All the resistance factions are staying in spite of (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu,” reiterating solidarity among the groups amid celebrations of the ceasefire. This development comes after a tumultuous period that has drastically altered the political climate in the Middle East, providing a beacon of hope for Gaza’s approximately 2.3 million inhabitants, many of whom have faced forced displacements.

Despite hopes for a more peaceful future, the immediate past was grim. The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service reported that Israeli military strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 13 individuals during the ceasefire delay. Fortunately, no additional attacks were recorded following the ceasefire’s activation at 11:15 AM (0915 GMT).

“We are now waiting for the day when we head back to our home in Gaza City,” Aya shared, advocating for resilience, amidst the widespread destruction. Her sentiments are echoed by Ahmed Abu Ayham, 40, who, along with his family, remains displaced in Khan Younis. He described the scene of devastation in Gaza City as “dreadful,” indicating a sense of lingering grief instead of celebration. “We are in pain, deep pain and it is time that we hug one another and cry,” he lamented.

This widely anticipated ceasefire, emerging after a harrowing time following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 Israelis, could finally lead to a formal conclusion to what has been a catastrophic cycle of violence. Israel's retaliatory measures have reportedly resulted in nearly 47,000 Palestinian fatalities, as per local health authorities.

The echoes of the conflict linger; Aya voiced the cruel reality, “The war ended, but life isn’t going to be better because of the destruction and the losses we suffered. But at least there will be no more bloodshed of women and children, I hope.” As the ceasefire is in place, the hope for healing and rebuilding remains strong among the people of Gaza. For further details, visit South China Morning Post.