Shortly after news of the ceasefire broke, thousands of Palestinians in Gaza poured into the streets in celebration, their first glimpse of hope after years of relentless bombardment and displacement.
Men, women, and children were seen dancing, waving flags, and chanting prayers. Some carried photographs of missing relatives, while others sang freedom songs. Children released balloons into the sky, and elders wept openly, overcome with relief that peace may finally be within reach.
In Gaza City, celebratory gunfire echoed, while in Rafah, community leaders organized prayers of thanksgiving. However, amid the jubilation, the scars of war remained visible — destroyed buildings, collapsed hospitals, and mass graves of civilians who perished in airstrikes.
Humanitarian organizations stressed that the ceasefire must translate into immediate aid. The World Food Programme warned that starvation in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, while the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) called for international support to rebuild homes and schools.
For many in Gaza, the ceasefire is not just about peace but survival. “We are happy, but we want to eat, drink, and rebuild our homes,” said Fatima al-Said, a mother of three displaced by the fighting.
