Ceasefire Begins, Thousands Return to the Rubble
As a Gaza ceasefire takes effect, thousands of Palestinians are returning to what remains of their homes. The pause in hostilities marks a crucial step toward ending a devastating two-year war sparked by Hamas’ 2023 attack on Israel. The conflict has left tens of thousands dead and displaced roughly 90 percent of Gaza’s 2 million residents, often forcing families to rebuild multiple times from fields of rubble.
The military confirmed the start of the truce on Friday, with the prospect of releasing the remaining hostages, about 48 people, by Monday. For many in Gaza, the news brings a fragile mix of relief and fear—relief at the easing of bombardment, and fear about what comes next in a territory with shattered infrastructure and uncertain aid access.
Leadership’s Next Steps
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled that the next phase would involve Hamas disarmament and Gaza’s demilitarization. “If this is achieved the easy way — so be it. If not — it will be achieved the hard way,” he said in a televised address. The Israel Defense Forces have pledged to maintain defensive operations from the roughly half of Gaza they still control after a gradual withdrawal to agreed lines, underscoring the fragile balance of power as the ceasefire takes hold.
Aid Arrives, but Needs Remain High
In a closely watched development, the United Nations was given the go-ahead to start delivering scaled-up aid into Gaza beginning Sunday. A UN official, speaking anonymously, said the aid would address dire malnutrition and famine conditions driven by ongoing blockades and military activity. About 170,000 metric tons of relief supplies have already been positioned in Jordan and Egypt, awaiting permission to move into Gaza.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher noted that, historically, only a fraction of aid reaches those in need. As of late, about 20 percent of the required aid had reached Gaza. Officials have pressed Israel to widen entry points and ensure safe movement for aid workers and civilians returning to previously targeted areas.
What the Ceasefire Means for People on the Ground
A steady stream of people, many on foot, headed north along the coastal road, eager to assess what remains of their homes. The scenes recalled earlier ceasefires, yet the scale of destruction this time is arguably greater due to recent Israeli offensives in Gaza City. Homes and high-rises were destroyed in an effort to cripple what authorities said were Hamas’ military capabilities.
For residents like Jamal Mesbah, displaced from the north, the ceasefire offers a sigh of relief but also a stark reminder of loss: “There wasn’t much joy, but the ceasefire somewhat eased the pain of death and bloodshed.” In Khan Younis, returnees found almost unrecognizable streets, with families retrieving belongings and, in some cases, bodies still trapped under rubble.
Path Forward: Hostages, Governance, and Reconstruction
Israel is expected to release around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the remaining hostages. Negotiations have highlighted the absence of some high-profile prisoners, a point of contention for many families awaiting news. While relief is tempered by grief and uncertainty, the truce creates a window for humanitarian relief and reconstruction—though it requires sustained access and international support.
Amid the talks, broader political plans have circulated, including proposals for an international security framework inside Gaza and a long-term reconstruction effort led by international donors. These discussions, if they move beyond the immediate ceasefire, will shape whether a durable political solution emerges in the coming years or the region returns to cycles of violence.
