Palestinians in Gaza Experience Mixed Emotions as Ceasefire Brings Hope and Uncertainty
Displaced residents of Deir el-Balah reflect on the toll of war, their losses, and their uncertain future after the truce.
Deir el-Balah, Gaza – A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has brought a temporary halt to one of the most devastating conflicts in Gaza, leaving residents to process their complex emotions of relief, grief, and cautious hope. Following the truce that began on Sunday, Gaza’s skies, which had been relentlessly bombarded for over a year, fell silent, allowing displaced Palestinians to reflect on the suffering they endured and the uncertain road ahead.
In the makeshift camps of Deir el-Balah, central Gaza, many residents shared their personal experiences with Al Jazeera, revealing the mixed feelings surrounding the pause in hostilities.
Hamza al-Ramlawi, 70, from Tal al-Hawa, Gaza City: “We are relieved that the bloodshed has finally stopped,” al-Ramlawi said, but his voice was heavy with sorrow. “The joy of peace is overshadowed by the grief of losing my son, Mohammed, in a bombing near our tent in az-Zawayda. His loss is incomprehensible.”
As families begin to return to their shattered homes, al-Ramlawi, like many others, remains haunted by the war’s personal toll. "We cannot endure another catastrophe like this. I hope for lasting peace, but the pain of loss will stay with us forever."
Suleiman Abdel Qader, 74, from Deir el-Balah: Abdel Qader expressed a sense of anger alongside his relief. “We thank God for stopping the war,” he said, “but we have lost so much. Our relatives are still buried under the rubble, and some are missing. The world didn’t do enough to stop this earlier."
While cautiously optimistic about the ceasefire, he voiced concern about Israel’s track record. “I hope the truce lasts, but I fear Israel may not honor it. Gaza has been devastated, and we need real healing.”
Samah Shalail, 44, from Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza: "The first day of ceasefire was strange,” Shalail shared, recalling the mixed reactions of those around her. “Some celebrated, others cried for the loved ones they lost.” Despite the relief of sleeping in peace for the first time in over a year, Shalail expressed a sense of unease. “The country is in ruins, and we still have so many fears about what comes next."
Shalail holds out hope for a brighter future. “I look forward to returning to our lands, and seeing my children back in school. We’ve endured so much, but we are determined to move forward.”
Soheila Hazem, 65, from Deir el-Balah: The ceasefire brought Hazem both relief and mourning. “I lost my son Hatem, my sister lost her son, and many others in my family were also victims of the violence," Hazem said. “Every night was filled with fear and uncertainty. Now, there is some peace, but we are still grieving."
Like many others, Hazem has no grand plans for the future. “I just want to live normally, to find stability again, and to heal from this suffering.”
For Gaza’s residents, the ceasefire offers a moment of respite, but it also marks the beginning of a long and uncertain recovery. Despite the heavy losses, there is a glimmer of hope that the truce could bring some semblance of normalcy, even if the scars of war will never fully fade.