By Olatunbosun Obafemi
Israeli forces on Friday began withdrawing from parts of the Gaza Strip as a long-awaited ceasefire took effect, raising cautious hope among thousands of displaced Palestinians yearning to return home after two years of relentless fighting.
The Israeli military confirmed that troops ceased fire at noon “in preparation for the ceasefire agreement and the return of hostages.” Gaza’s civil defence agency reported that Israeli armoured units were pulling back from forward positions in Gaza City and Khan Yunis, prompting families to start the slow journey back through the rubble of their shattered communities.
Many Palestinians expressed mixed emotions – relief, grief, and disbelief. “We’re going back to our areas, full of wounds and sorrow, but we thank God for this situation,” said 32-year-old Ameer Abu Lyadeh in Khan Yunis. “Even if we return to ruins, at least it’s our land.”
The ceasefire follows an agreement between Israel and Hamas mediated in Egypt, which includes a framework for the release of remaining Israeli hostages captured during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the deal marked the first phase toward ending the war.
Despite the truce, reports of sporadic gunfire and smoke in northern Gaza persisted early Friday, with Gaza civil defence officials confirming at least one fatality before calm returned.
Across the enclave, long columns of Palestinians, many barefoot and weary, trudged through streets reduced to rubble. Among them was 53-year-old Areej Abu Saadaeh, who lost two children in the war. “I’m happy about the truce, even though I grieve for my son and daughter. Yet returning home brings joy,” she said.
While celebrations broke out in parts of Gaza and Israel, unresolved issues – including Hamas’s disarmament and future governance – cast uncertainty over the fragile peace.
