How Palestinians in Gaza Are Reacting to the Ceasefire Deal After Two Years of Israeli Genocide?

Gaza (QNN)- Mediators announced on Wednesday an agreement between Israel and Hamas on a ceasefire in Gaza and the exchange of captives held in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. On Friday, Israel approved the Gaza ceasefire deal.

The deal paves the way for a suspension of Israeli attacks in Gaza within 24 hours, and the release of Israeli captives, within 72 hours after that.

The agreement, covering the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end the war, also requires Israel to pull back its troops to “an agreed-upon line”.

Mixed Emotions: Relief, Joy, Grief

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have expressed mixed reactions to the announcement.

Many Gazans are relieved: a chance to breathe, some respite from ongoing Israeli bombardment, fear, displacement, and famine.

“Two years, what a long and terrible time! It was a nightmare. We lost ourselves during these years. We were starved, killed, attacked, and humiliated. Thank Allah, now the Israeli killing machine will finally stop,” Um Saleh told QNN.

Some are actually celebrating, even while mourning.

Aya Ismail, a mother of two who lost her husband during the first months of the war, said, “I am celebrating with my children for the soul of their father. May he rest in peace. I wish he were with us now to celebrate. But he was killed by Israel while peacefully walking in the street.”

She continued, “The most important thing is that Israel’s genocide will stop, for the sake of these children.”

People were seen taking to the streets, chanting and celebrating with ululations.

However, underlying much of the joy are deep wounds: loss of loved ones, destruction of homes, disrupted lives and massive humanitarian suffering.

A lot of people are also hopeful but extremely wary, they’ve lived through previous ceasefires that didn’t last and were violated by Israel.

“Two years of waiting for ceasefires, of hoping that even one leader in this world would step in to stop the Israeli attacks and save us. We waited for two years and watched as ceasefires were broken before our eyes by Israel. We lost hope,” said Sarah Saidam, adding, “But we never lost faith in Allah.”