Gazans have taken to the streets to celebrate a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, with some expressing joy and others mourning the loss of loved ones.
The agreement, which includes Israeli withdrawal and the gradual release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian detainees held by Israel, has brought an end to 15 months of violence. The six-week initial ceasefire phase is seen as a major breakthrough, with many hoping it will pave the way for a more permanent peace.
However, some Gazans are struggling to come to terms with the news. Ahmed Dahman, 25, said he would immediately search for his father’s body after hearing the agreement, and that he was worried about what they would see in the streets upon its implementation.
“I feel a mixture of happiness because lives are being saved and blood is being stopped,” Dahman said. “But I am also worried about the post-war shock of what we will see in the streets, our destroyed homes.”
Other Gazans expressed similar emotions, with some celebrating the news and others mourning the loss of their loved ones to the conflict.
The ceasefire deal comes after months of negotiations by Egypt, Qatar, and the US. It marks a significant development in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and raises hopes for a more peaceful future.
With the agreement, lives are being saved, and blood is being stopped. While there is still much work to be done, this breakthrough offers a glimmer of hope for Gaza and its people.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gazans-shed-tears-joy-disbelief-news-ceasefire-deal-2025-01-15