Palestinians in Gaza look ahead with hope and fear amid uncertain ceasefire

Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip – A long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on Sunday, marking a pause in one of the region's most devastating wars. Residents of Gaza are currently experiencing a complex mix of relief and disbelief.

After months of relentless Israeli attacks, the skies have finally fallen silent. People are returning to their ravaged homes, facing the enormous challenge of rebuilding lives shattered by the 15-month conflict. Displaced residents, taking refuge in makeshift camps in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, shared with Al Jazeera their complex emotions, their losses, and their hopes and fears for the future.

“We are very happy and relieved that the ceasefire has finally been reached,” said 70-year-old Hamza Ramlawi from Tal al-Hawa in Gaza City. He added, “The sadness will remain in our hearts. We will remember those we lost among our family and loved ones. It is joyful that we are able to return home, but this joy is filled with loss and grief.” Ramlawi also mentioned losing his son, Mohammed, in a bombing of a tent near Zawayda in central Gaza, stating, “His loss is as vast as the universe.”

Ramlawi continued, “Now that the bloodshed has finally stopped, we can spend each day in peace. This is the first night we have slept soundly during the war. Every night we lived in fear of what might strike us.” He hopes that both sides will calm down and allow people to live normal lives. He added, “We hope that this truce will last. We cannot bear this great battle that turned our lives into a catastrophe.” Finally, Ramlawi stated, “I would be lying if I said I was happy to return to my home in the north after losing my son. Let me remain silent.”

Suleiman Abdel-Qader, a 74-year-old resident of Deir al-Balah, said, “We thank God that the war has finally stopped. I hope that all the displaced people will return to their homes as soon as possible.” He also stated, “People are in pain and have lost a lot. Some of our relatives are still buried under the rubble, and others are missing.” Abdel-Qader also expressed his dissatisfaction with Europe and the United States, believing that they did not exert enough pressure during the 15 months since the war began. He added, “This is a great suffering that everyone in Gaza has endured.” Abdel-Qader hopes that people can heal from their wounds, the injured receive treatment, and those who have lost loved ones find solace. He stated, “Despite my many concerns, I hope that the ceasefire will continue because Israel does not keep its promises.”

Samah Shallal, a 44-year-old mother from Beit Lahia in northern Gaza, stated, “The first day of the ceasefire felt strange. Some people were celebrating and happy, while others were crying, remembering the loved ones who died in this war.” She also said, “This is the first night we have slept soundly, knowing that the bloodshed will stop, that we will return to our land, and that we are about to start a new life.” Shallal believes that “the Palestinian people are full of hope and determination to move forward.” She also stated, “At the beginning of the announcement of the ceasefire, I felt cautious optimism. But when the prisoner exchange began and the planes disappeared from the sky, I began to feel some relief.”

Shallal added, “The heart is still hurting. We cannot talk about joy and happiness, but there is psychological relief. We are still afraid of the obstacles that await us. This country has been completely destroyed.” She anticipates that the ceasefire will last as long as there is an agreement to release prisoners and hostages. She concluded, “I am excited about the coming period, and life will return again. I hope my children will return to their desks.”

Sohaila Hazem, 65, from Deir al-Balah, stated, “The feeling of the ceasefire is indescribable. We are still deeply affected and in pain from the war.” She also revealed, “I lost my 30-year-old son, Hatem, who has three daughters, in a bombing in Deir al-Balah last June. My sister also lost her only son, my brother lost his son, and other relatives. No one has been spared from loss. We have all suffered greatly in this war.” Hazem added, “After such a long absence, we finally had a long sleep. We were unable to sleep because of the bombing and the fear. If the bombing was not happening to us, it was happening to my neighbors, my family, or people we know elsewhere. Every time night fell, it was accompanied by worry and fear.”

Hazem said, “In this war, we are all one family, and our pain is shared. We are waiting for the end of the war to learn the fate of those who have lost contact due to communication disruptions.” She also stated, “Things are much easier for us now. We feel great relief and hope that international efforts will continue to stabilize the truce.” Hazem emphasized, “Everyone must know that this is our land, and we have the right to live here. We pray to God to compensate us for everything we have lost.” Finally, she stated, “I have no plans. I just want to live a normal and stable life.”