Palestinians Return to Ruins as Ceasefire Begins in Gaza; Hopes Rise Amid Uncertainty
Tens of thousands of Palestinians made their way back to the devastated northern Gaza Strip on Friday as a U.S.-mediated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas...
Tens of thousands of Palestinians made their way back to the devastated northern Gaza Strip on Friday as a U.S.-mediated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect, offering the first meaningful pause in a bloody two-year war that has displaced nearly 90% of Gaza’s population and left tens of thousands dead.
The truce, brokered by the United States under President Donald Trump, comes with a series of highly anticipated measures, including the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, expected by Monday, and the release of around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners by Israel.
While the ceasefire signals a major breakthrough, questions loom over Gaza’s future governance, Hamas' disarmament, and Israel's long-term military posture in the territory.
Scenes of Return: Relief, Rubble, and Remains
In emotional scenes reminiscent of earlier ceasefires, waves of displaced families began their journey north, most of them on foot, crowding coastal roads in search of what might remain of their homes.
But what they encountered was sheer devastation.
“We came to a place that is unidentifiable ... Destruction is everywhere,” said Hani Omran, who returned to Khan Younis to find nothing but debris.
In Gaza City, high-rise buildings have been reduced to rubble, while across the north, families are still attempting to retrieve bodies trapped under collapsed homes. One returnee, Fatma Radwan, said her family found only a few pieces of clothing and kitchen pots amid the ruins.
Despite the grief and loss, the ceasefire brought a sense of momentary relief.
“There wasn't much joy, but the ceasefire eased the pain of death and bloodshed,” said Jamal Mesbah, displaced from northern Gaza. “It brings hope, even if it’s fragile.”
Ceasefire Begins, Hostage Releases Imminent
The Israeli military confirmed the start of the ceasefire on Friday morning. The 48 remaining hostages, including around 20 believed to be alive, are set to be released by Monday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing the nation, warned that the ceasefire is conditional.
“Hamas must disarm and Gaza must be demilitarized,” Netanyahu said. “If this is achieved the easy way — so be it. If not — it will be achieved the hard way.”
Netanyahu, who unilaterally ended a previous ceasefire in March, hinted that Israel may resume military operations if Hamas does not comply.
Israel currently controls around 50% of Gaza’s territory and plans to maintain a defensive posture while gradually pulling back to agreed-upon lines.
Aid Set to Resume as Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
The United Nations, after prolonged negotiations, has been given the green light to resume humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza beginning Sunday, a U.N. official confirmed on condition of anonymity.
U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said critical materials, including fuel and medical supplies, are already entering via the Kerem Shalom crossing, but more access points are being requested.
The aim is to deliver 170,000 metric tons of aid, pre-positioned in Jordan and Egypt, to combat famine conditions and widespread malnutrition.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher revealed that only 20% of the needed aid reached Gaza in recent months due to the conflict and access restrictions.
Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court is pursuing arrest warrants for Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Israeli defence minister on accusations of using starvation as a weapon of war — charges Israel denies.
A Complex Exchange: Hostages for Prisoners
The ceasefire agreement includes the release of approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the remaining hostages.
Although popular Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti was excluded from the list, Hamas officials claim that all women and children in Israeli prisons will be freed.
The releases could begin as early as Sunday night, according to sources familiar with the negotiations in Cairo.
For families of hostages, the ceasefire brings both hope and heartache.
“We hold our hope lightly because we’ve had it dashed before,” said Stephen Brisley, whose sister Lianne Sharabi and her daughters were killed in the October 7, 2023, attack that began the war. His brother-in-law, Yossi Sharabi, is believed to have died in captivity.
Trump Plan: Security Control, Reconstruction — But No Clarity on Statehood
Under the Trump administration’s ceasefire framework, Israel will retain military control along Gaza’s border, while an international peacekeeping force — mainly composed of Arab and Muslim countries — will manage internal security.
The plan outlines a massive international reconstruction effort led by the U.S., but remains vague on the issue of Palestinian statehood — a point Netanyahu has consistently rejected.
The Palestinian Authority could eventually assume administrative control, but only after a lengthy reform process, further delaying any permanent governance resolution.
Background: A War That Shattered a Nation
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a large-scale attack into Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
Israel’s retaliatory war, marked by intensive airstrikes and ground operations, has left over 67,000 Palestinians dead and nearly 170,000 injured, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry — figures widely cited by international agencies despite being part of the Hamas-run government.
The war has had far-reaching global implications, including regional escalations, mass protests, and legal challenges accusing Israel of war crimes — all of which the Israeli government denies.
Outlook: Fragile Peace, Unanswered Questions
While the ceasefire offers a brief respite and a glimmer of hope, the path ahead remains uncertain. Who will govern Gaza? Will Hamas disarm? Will reconstruction be possible amid ongoing tensions?
For now, many Palestinians return not to homes, but to rubble and ruins, clinging to hope that this truce might finally mark the beginning of the end of a war that has shattered lives and changed the course of history.