Palestinians Celebrate Ceasefire Deal Amidst Lingering Grief

Palestinians in Gaza have celebrated the agreement of a ceasefire and hostage release deal - but many fear confronting the grief that has built up over two years of war.

This morning, when we heard the news about the truce, it brought both joy and pain, said Umm Hassan, a 38-year-old mother who lost her 16-year-old son during the conflict. Joy erupted as the young and old shouted for the first time amid the ruins, while those who lost loved ones began to remember them, wrestling with the harsh reality of their absence.

Every person who lost someone feels that sorrow deeply and wonders how they'll return home without them, added Umm Hassan.

As Palestinians and Israelis alike took a moment to reflect on the news, reactions were mixed. While Israelis celebrated the hostages' potential return home, many Palestinians were left grappling with the enormity of their losses. The agreement, announced by US President Donald Trump, would see the release of living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, yet the emotional toll of the past two years weighs heavily on the minds of many.

We, the civilians, are the ones who've suffered - truly suffered, expressed Daniel Abu Tabeekh from the Jabalia refugee camp. The factions don't feel our pain, he continued, expressing frustration towards leaders who seem disconnected from the daily struggles faced in Gaza.

The violence erupted following a Hamas attack that resulted in significant casualties last October, which hastened Israel's military response leading to tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths. Reports indicate that over 90% of Gaza's housing has been damaged or destroyed, a reality that resonates deeply with the population strewn across the streets.

Umm Nader Kloub, a resident who lost seven relatives, expressed her hope that the negotiations would eventually allow families to return home. As various voices called for recognition and mourning, it became evident that joy and grief would coexist in this fragile moment, with the future remaining uncertain.