As quiet settled over Gaza, a tense ceasefire brought an eerie calm to the war-torn region. Thousands of Palestinians began their journey back to their homes in northern Gaza as Hamas faces a deadline to release hostages. Israel is also set to free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners as part of a peace agreement brokered by US President Donald Trump.
The skies above Gaza are now clear, a stark contrast to the days of violence marked by smoke and destruction. Israeli troops have withdrawn to agreed positions in line with the peace plan, aiming to weaken Hamas’s control over Gaza.
Despite the ceasefire, the scars of war are visible in the ruined cities of Gaza, where buildings lie in rubble, a haunting reminder of the conflict. The cessation of airstrikes offers a temporary reprieve, but the region remains fragile, with the threat of renewed violence still lingering.
Efforts are underway to reunite hostages with their families, with medical teams on standby in southern Israel to provide necessary care. The psychological toll of the conflict is a concern, with fears of long-lasting trauma for those affected by the violence.
As hope for lasting peace grows, the region braces for a new chapter of recovery and rebuilding. The road ahead is challenging, with emergency teams working tirelessly to locate and rescue those trapped in the debris, as the community begins the long process of healing.