By Malak Khaled
The long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas finally took effect on Sunday morning, offering a brief respite from the genocide that has devastated Gaza for over 15 months.
As thousands of displaced Palestinians began to return to their homes, aid trucks entered the region, bringing much-needed relief. Despite the hopes this ceasefire inspired, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges as the region struggles to heal.
Delay in Ceasefire
Why It Was Delayed
The ceasefire, originally scheduled to begin hours earlier, was delayed by nearly three hours. The delay happened because Hamas didn’t provide the names of the hostages to be released on time.
Airstrikes During Delay
During this delay, Israeli airstrikes continued, claiming the lives of at least 13 Palestinians and injuring 30 more. Israel cited Hamas’s delay in fulfilling the terms of the agreement as the reason for the continued strikes.
Names of Hostages Announced
Hamas revealed the names of the first three Israeli hostages who will be released on Sunday as part of an exchange for 95 Palestinians, marking the start of the ceasefire and a new chapter for Gaza.
During the first phase of the six-week ceasefire, 33 Israeli hostages in Gaza and about 2,000 Palestinians will be released.
Israeli Army Pulls Back
The Israeli military has pulled back from several areas in both southern and northern Gaza. In the initial phase of the ceasefire, Israel is expected to withdraw from populated areas while maintaining its presence along Gaza’s borders and on a road that divides the territory.
Three Israeli Ministers Resign
Three far-right Israeli ministers, including the Minister of National Security, resigned from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government on Sunday in protest of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The deal, negotiated with Hamas, was deemed a “surrender”.
Celebrations Amid Uncertainty
Once the ceasefire was officially declared, displaced Palestinians began returning to their homes, carrying tents, clothes, and personal belongings.
Despite the uncertainty of whether their homes were still intact, many expressed relief, some even celebrating the moment with chants and songs.
“Our homes were swept away, so we will set up a tent and stay in our neighborhood, so we can feel that we are back to our neighborhood, to our home,” said Saleem Nabhan, a displaced man from Gaza, reflecting the unparalleled resilience of Palestinians.
Aid Trucks Enter Gaza
As the ceasefire took hold, aid trucks began to flow into Gaza, offering life-saving supplies. The World Food Programme confirmed that trucks carrying wheat flour and ready-to-eat food parcels entered Gaza from multiple crossings.
The deal stipulates that 600 trucks will deliver essential aid daily, a significant increase from the previous average of 40 trucks per day.
Though the path ahead remains uncertain, the ceasefire represents a crucial moment for Gaza. With displaced individuals returning home and aid starting to reach those in need, there is a sense of cautious optimism in the air.
This moment of relief offers a chance for recovery, and for the people of Gaza, it is a step toward rebuilding their lives and communities.
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