Wadi Gaza, Gaza Strip (AP) – Tens of thousands of Palestinians displaced by the war in Gaza began walking north Friday towards the homes they had been forced to evacuate and the remains of their homes, following an Israeli military announcement. Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas It was in effect.
Many Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, desperate for an end to the killings, displacement and destruction, were relieved to hear that Israel and Hamas had agreed to a ceasefire in their devastating two-year war. But it was a mixture of pain from a staggering loss and concern about what would happen next.
“We packed our bags to go home, but we are still suffering the same suffering,” said Jamal Mesbah, who fled northern Gaza.
“Although there is little joy, the ceasefire has alleviated some of the psychological pain we feel from the death and bloodshed, and for our loved ones and relatives who have suffered so much in this war.”
The Israeli military announced hours later that a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect in the Gaza Strip on Friday. Israeli cabinet approved the agreement The aim was to temporarily halt the fighting and exchange the remaining hostages with Palestinian prisoners. It would be an important step towards ending the war. devastating two year war.
nevertheless, US President Donald Trump’s extensive plans There are many unanswered questions, including who will rule Gaza.
Israel launches in response to attack on Gaza October 7, 2023, Hamas’s deadly attack on Israelkilled tens of thousands of Palestinians and caused massive destruction, displacement, and suffering in Gaza. war It also caused famine In part of the territory.
On Friday, crowds of people, the majority on foot, crammed onto coastal roads in the central Gaza Strip, heading north. Some carried backpacks and other belongings as they passed tents overlooking the ocean. Some people hurried past on bicycles and motorbikes. Horns blared and several cars tried to weave their way through the crowd.
Ala Kandour said she no longer has a home to return to. Still, he wanted to return to the north.
“I want to go find a place to take shelter with my children,” he said. “We want to go back and find a place to live, either at school or at a camp.”
Some wondered how they would be able to afford to return home and whether they would still have a home. Some said they were still not sure it was safe enough to return soon.
“I will wait in Khan Younis until I am sure everything is safe for me and my family,” said Rana Saleh, who was evacuated from her home in September.
Similarly, Mahmoud Sharkawi was waiting in the Nuseriat refugee camp in central Gaza.
“I intend to return to Gaza City, but not now,” said Sharkawi, who was evacuated from Gaza City in late August. “We will wait a few days to see if it is safe to return.”
Then the war started Hamas-led militants invade Israel On October 7, 2023, approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage.
More than 67,000 Palestinians were killed in Gaza and nearly 170,000 were injured in subsequent Israeli attacks, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. The Gaza Health Ministry does not distinguish between civilians and fighters, but says about half of the dead were women and children. The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government, and the United Nations and many independent experts consider its figures to be the most reliable estimate of wartime casualties in Gaza.
On Friday, hundreds of Palestinians also tried to return to their homes in the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis, only to find collapsed buildings, rubble and destruction.
“There was nothing left, just a few pieces of clothing, pieces of wood and a pot,” said Fatma Radwan, an evacuee from eastern Khan Yunis. She added that there was destruction everywhere and efforts were ongoing to recover bodies from under the rubble.
The destruction has forced some to stay put.
“We want the ceasefire to continue. This is what we want. There are enough displaced people,” Nawal Abul Deeb said. “Have mercy on us. Have mercy on us for all that we have witnessed.”
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Shurafa reported from Deir Bala, Gaza Strip. Associated Press writers Toqa Ezzidin and Mariam Fam contributed to this report.
