In the early hours of Thursday morning, residents across the Gaza Strip poured into the streets to celebrate the announcement of an agreement to end the devastating war on the enclave, reached under United States President Donald Trump’s peace plan.
Videos circulating on social media showed crowds of Palestinians rejoicing in the streets of Gaza City, as well as in central and southern parts of the Strip, chanting slogans of victory and relief after years of relentless bombardment.
At Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, dozens of civilians gathered, expressing their joy and gratitude at the news of a ceasefire agreement that promises to halt the bloodshed and open the door for humanitarian aid.
Similar scenes of celebration were witnessed in Khan Younis, in the south of the Strip, where residents waved Palestinian flags and recited takbeer in jubilation, as captured in multiple video clips shared online.
For the people of Gaza, these scenes mark a rare moment of relief after enduring two years of brutal war and siege that left the territory in ruins. The Israeli assault has killed over 67,000 Palestinians and injured more than 169,000 others, according to the latest Palestinian figures — the vast majority women and children.
Alongside the relentless bombardment and destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure, Israel waged a deliberate starvation campaign against the Strip’s two million inhabitants, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians, including children, due to malnutrition and lack of medical access.
A Moment of Relief Amid Years of Suffering
The celebrations reflect the depth of exhaustion and resilience among Gaza’s population, who have lived through constant airstrikes, displacement, and famine. While many remain cautious about Israel’s adherence to the ceasefire terms, the mere pause in fighting offers hope for families shattered by loss and deprivation.
