Thousands of Palestinians journeyed north along Gaza’s coast on Saturday, many on foot or by cart, returning to homes destroyed during the devastating conflict. The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas appeared to be holding, offering a rare glimpse of relief after two years of war that left tens of thousands dead and the enclave in ruins.
“It’s an indescribable feeling; praise be to God,” said Nabila Basal, walking beside her injured daughter. “We are very, very happy that the war has stopped, and the suffering has ended.”
Under the U.S.-brokered ceasefire, Israeli troops have withdrawn from major urban centers while Hamas is expected to release its remaining Israeli hostages by Monday noon. In exchange, Israel will free nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The agreement, championed by U.S. President Donald Trump and his envoy Steve Witkoff, marks the most significant diplomatic progress since the October 2023 Hamas attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and triggered the conflict.
As night fell, thousands filled Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, cheering the impending reunions. “We are waiting for our son and for all the hostages,” said Hagai Angrest, whose son Matan remains captive.
Aid agencies are preparing to deliver hundreds of truckloads of food, medicine, and shelter materials into Gaza. UNICEF plans to boost supplies for children and families starting Sunday.
Trump is set to travel to Israel and Egypt, joining over 20 world leaders in Sharm el-Sheikh to discuss a lasting peace framework and Gaza’s reconstruction. “They’re all tired of the fighting,” Trump said, expressing optimism that the ceasefire would pave the way for his 20-point peace plan.
More than 67,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed in the war. For survivors like Ahmed al-Jabari, returning to ruins, the hope for peace now carries the weight of rebuilding lives from the ashes.