Palestinians in Gaza have celebrated the agreement of a ceasefire and hostage release deal - but many fear confronting the grief that has built up over two years of war. 'This morning, when we heard the news about the truce, it brought both joy and pain,' 38-year-old Umm Hassan, who lost his 16-year-old son during the war, told the BBC. 'Out of joy, both the young and the old began shouting,' he said. 'And those who had lost loved ones started remembering them and wondering how we would return home without them.' The agreement announced by US President Donald Trump - which still must be accepted by Israel's security cabinet - will see the release of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees from Gaza. It is the first phase of a 20-point peace plan that could lead to an end to the war - though the latter phases still need to be negotiated. With more than 90% of Gaza's housing damaged or destroyed, as reported by the UN, residents like Umm Nader Kloub, who lost seven relatives, including her sons, express hope mixed with sadness. 'God willing, he will help [the negotiators] and allow us all to return to our homes, and for their hostages to return safely,' she said. As the community processes this moment of potential peace, the struggle to heal from past losses remains prevalent.
Gaza's Bittersweet Peace: Celebrations Amid Grief

Gaza's Bittersweet Peace: Celebrations Amid Grief
Palestinians in Gaza express mixed emotions following a ceasefire deal that offers hope but also deep grief from losses endured during the prolonged conflict. This article explores their reactions and the challenges ahead.
Following a ceasefire and hostage release agreement, many Palestinians in Gaza are torn between joy and the pain of loss. With over 67,000 lives lost and extensive destruction in Gaza, the community's happiness is laced with sorrow as they confront their grief. Voices from the streets reveal a desire for healing while acknowledging the deep scars left by the two-year conflict.