Joy and disbelief sweep Gaza amid ceasefire news

Palestinians celebrated across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday after news of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with some shedding tears of joy and others whistling, clapping, and chanting “Allahu akbar” (God is greatest).

The deal, not yet formally announced, outlines a six-week initial ceasefire phase and includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

AFP

The accord also calls for the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian detainees held by Israel, according to an official briefed on the negotiations.

AFP

Israeli troops invaded Gaza after Hamas-led gunmen breached security barriers and stormed Israeli communities on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 soldiers and civilians and abducting more than 250 hostages, both foreign and Israeli.

AFP

Israel's war in Gaza has killed more than 46,000 people, according to Gaza's health ministry, and has left the coastal enclave in ruins, with thousands living in makeshift shelters.

AFP

'We are being reborn', says displaced Palestinian mother.

'Lives are being saved', says bereaved Gazan.

Some voice mixed emotions of relief, sadness, apprehension.

Reuters

For some, delight was mingled with sorrow.

Ahmed Dahman, 25, said the first thing he would do when the deal goes into effect is to recover the body of his father, who was killed in an airstrike on the family's house last year, and "give him a proper burial."

Iman Al-Qouqa, who lives with her family in a nearby tent, was still in disbelief.

"This is a day of happiness, and sadness, a shock and joy, but certainly it is a day we all must cry and cry long because of what we all lost. We did not lose friends, relatives, and homes only, we lost our city, Israel sent us back in history because of its brutal war," she told Reuters.

"It is time the world comes back into Gaza, focuses on Gaza, and rebuilds it," said Qouqa.

The highly anticipated deal outlines a six-week initial ceasefire, during which Israeli forces will gradually withdraw from the Gaza Strip, where tens of thousands have been killed. Hostages taken by Hamas would be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.