Thousands of displaced Palestinians began returning to their devastated neighbourhoods on Friday after Israel declared a ceasefire and initiated troop withdrawals across parts of the Gaza Strip. The truce, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, marks the most significant breakthrough since hostilities erupted more than two years ago.
The Israeli Defence Forces confirmed that a full ceasefire took effect at noon local time, allowing civilians to move freely for the first time in months. “The troops have ceased fire in preparation for the ceasefire agreement and the return of hostages,” the military said in a statement.
Scenes of exhaustion and relief filled the so-called “Netzarim corridor,” where families pushed carts and carried bundles of belongings through the ruins of central Gaza. Entire families, weary from years of displacement, trudged north toward Gaza City and Khan Yunis — areas that had been reduced to rubble by months of fighting.
“We’re going back to our areas, full of wounds and sorrow,” said 32-year-old Ameer Abu Iyadeh. “But we thank God for this situation.”
The truce includes a prisoner exchange deal under which Hamas will release 47 hostages — both living and deceased — while Israel frees around 1,950 Palestinian detainees. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the agreement was “a path to national joy after a day of mourning,” referring to the October 7 attacks that triggered the war.
At the U.S. Pentagon, officials confirmed that Israel had completed the first phase of a pullback covering nearly half of Gaza’s territory. However, about 53 percent of the enclave remains under Israeli control pending further negotiations. The ceasefire agreement also gives Hamas 72 hours to release the remaining captives still held in Gaza.
Aid agencies warned that Gaza faces a massive humanitarian task. “The people are returning to cities that no longer exist,” said a UN spokesperson in Rafah.
“Water systems are destroyed, hospitals are gone, and many have nothing left to return to but the rubble of their homes.”
Still, there were glimmers of hope. Italy announced that the European Union mission at Rafah will reopen a pedestrian crossing on October 14 to facilitate aid and civilian movement. For many, it represents the first tangible sign of recovery after years of suffering.
Areej Abu Saadaeh, 53, lost two of her children in the fighting but said she was determined to rebuild. “I’m happy about the truce and peace,” she told AFP, her voice trembling. “Even though I grieve for my children, the truce brings joy — returning to our homes is all we have left.”
While the ceasefire drew cautious optimism from international leaders, challenges remain over Gaza’s political future.
Disagreements persist between Israel and Hamas regarding demilitarisation and a transitional authority proposed by the Trump administration. Hamas official Osama Hamdan rejected the plan, calling it an “imposition that undermines Palestinian sovereignty.”
