Gaza (Web Desk): After a 15-month of intense conflict, a fragile ceasefire has begun to bring a moment of respite to those suffering in Gaza.
The announcement of a ceasefire has led to the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody, and celebrations have erupted in the West Bank as families embrace the return of loved ones.
Meanwhile, the people of Gaza, many of whom have endured unspeakable hardship, are returning to what is left of their homes. The destruction is overwhelming; entire neighborhoods have been flattened, leaving families to face the harsh reality of life after relentless bombardments.
At the same time, the first aid trucks have begun to enter Gaza, part of an agreement that will see up to 600 trucks delivering critical supplies every day.
These initial shipments offer a glimmer of hope to those desperately in need of food, medicine, and basic necessities, though much more is required to address the scale of the crisis.
As the ceasefire takes hold, the human toll of the conflict is stark. More than 46,000 Palestinians have lost their lives since the war's escalation in October 2023, and tens of thousands more have been injured.
On the Israeli side, over 1,100 lives were lost, with hundreds more taken captive in the initial Hamas-led attacks.
Despite the enormous loss and suffering, the first day of the ceasefire provided a small measure of peace. Children’s laughter, a sound long absent due to the constant threat of violence, was once again heard in parts of Gaza, bringing a fleeting sense of normalcy to the war-torn region.
Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the United Nations (UN) Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), noted that while the first day of the ceasefire was positive, it was vital that the agreement’s terms be fully implemented for it to lead to lasting peace.
He expressed cautious optimism, emphasizing that this ceasefire must hold in order to pave the way for a more stable and peaceful future for both Palestinians and Israelis.
