GAZA, (The Palestine Foundation Pakistan)For the first time in months, Gaza residents spent a calm night as the war pause entered its second day, bringing a mix of relief and cautious optimism.
After two years of widespread devastation, massacres, displacement, and the total collapse of basic living conditions, an unusual calm has settled over the Gaza Strip, offering residents a chance to breathe and return to their bombed neighborhoods, although the humanitarian situation remains dire.
The Palestinian Information Center (PIC) reporter said that hundreds of thousands continued to stream back into Gaza City, moving along the roads of al-Rasheed and Salahuddin.
Many families returned to check on their destroyed homes or what remained of them, while others set up tents amidst the rubble in an effort to reclaim a fragment of their former lives.
In the streets, scenes reflected a poignant blend of shock and determination: men clearing debris, women sweeping in front of collapsed homes, and children searching for their toys beneath the rubble.
Nevertheless, widespread destruction continues to hinder movement and the restoration of essential services as the rubble of demolished buildings still blankets the streets.
Government bodies and municipalities, along with volunteer groups, are actively working to clear roads, help residents reach their areas and provide humanitarian assistance.
A ceasefire went into effect at noon local time Friday as part of the first phase of US president Donald Trump’s plan to end the Israeli war in the Gaza Strip.
Trump is scheduled to leave for the Middle East on a trip to mark the success of Gaza ceasefire negotiations on Sunday or Monday.
Trump is expected to participate in a signing ceremony of the Gaza ceasefire deal in Egypt, where a summit of several world leaders will be held.
During the trip, Trump is first scheduled to visit Israel, where he intends to address the Knesset, Israel’s parliament.
The US president’s planned trip to the Middle East follows his announcement early Thursday that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire agreement over Gaza.
