Gaza, Oct 11 (V7N) – A long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has officially come into effect, bringing a glimmer of hope for millions of Palestinians after two years of relentless conflict. The truce, reached under a peace plan spearheaded by US President Donald Trump, began on Friday (October 10), allowing displaced residents to begin returning to the northern regions of Gaza, according to Al Jazeera.

The ceasefire, signed in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, marks a significant diplomatic breakthrough. The United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey played key roles as mediators in brokering the agreement. Under the deal, Israel will withdraw its remaining forces, while Hamas will release all Israeli hostages. In return, around 1,700 Palestinian prisoners will also be freed within 72 hours of the Israeli withdrawal. Hamas is expected to release the hostages by noon on Monday, though the exact location and timing of the exchange have not yet been disclosed.

Across Gaza, emotional scenes have unfolded as residents began the journey back to their shattered homes.

“We thank God for this situation (returning home), although we are returning to our area with wounds and pain in our hearts,” said Amir Abu Yade, 32, from Khan Yunis, in southern Gaza.

Another resident, Ariz Abu Sadeh, 53, who lost two children in the conflict, said, “I am happy for this ceasefire and peace, although I have lost a son and a daughter. Still, there is joy — we are returning home.”

For Mohammed Mortaza, 39, the only hope now is for lasting peace. “We just want this war to end forever so that we never have to flee again,” he said.

Officials have cautioned residents against traveling near Gaza City’s border areas until all Israeli forces have officially withdrawn. Negotiations on several unresolved issues — including the status of a future Palestinian state and the role of the Palestinian Authority — are expected to continue in the coming weeks.

President Donald Trump hailed the agreement as “a unique milestone not only for Israel but also for the Arab-Muslim community and the entire world.”

The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack that killed 1,219 people in Israel and took 251 hostages. According to Israeli sources, 47 hostages remain in captivity, though 25 are believed to be dead.

In Gaza, the toll has been catastrophic. The Hamas-run Health Ministry reports that at least 67,173 Palestinians — including more than 20,000 children — have been killed in Israeli attacks over the past two years.

END/SMA/AJ