Ceasefire in Gaza: Palestinians Begin to Return Home
Steve Witkoff, a special envoy from the White House, was seen visiting an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) base in northern Gaza on Saturday. This visit coincides with the second day of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Accompanying Witkoff was Adm. Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Meanwhile, scenes from Gaza showed thousands of Palestinians making their way back to their homes, forming long lines along the coastline, both in vehicles and on foot.
“It’s an indescribable feeling. Praise be to God,” shared Nabila Basal, a local resident, with reporters. “We are all very happy that the war has stopped and suffering has eased.”
Current Situation in Gaza
After the IDF announced on Friday that the ceasefire had officially begun, images of returning residents began to surface. “The ceasefire agreement went into effect at noon,” the IDF stated. Since that time, units have been repositioning along updated strategic lines, preparing for the agreement and the return of hostages.
Avichai Adley, an IDF spokesperson, warned the public to stay clear of military forces, emphasizing that approaching them poses a danger to life.
A countdown initiated by Hamas for the release of remaining hostages began on Friday, as reports suggest that twenty of the total hostages are still believed to be alive. “We’re anxiously waiting for our son and all 48 hostages,” said Hagai Angrest, whose son Matan is among those unaccounted for.
Destruction and Recovery
As the IDF withdrew, the Palestinian Health Authority reported that at least 100 bodies had been recovered across Gaza. Ismail Zaida, a 40-year-old resident of Gaza City, shared reflections on his home, expressing gratitude that it remained undamaged, although his neighbors’ houses were not so fortunate. “Thank God my house is still there,” he said, noting the devastation around him.
Others echoed similar feelings of loss. “We went back to our area. It feels like a ghost town—everyone has disappeared,” Ahmed Albrim, a resident of Khan Yunis, lamented.
Many are returning to neighborhoods where their homes have either been completely destroyed or heavily damaged. “We couldn’t grab any furniture or even clothes, let alone winter clothing. There’s just nothing left,” one resident said, encapsulating a sense of disbelief and despair.
