Ceasefire Brings Thousands of Palestinians Back to Northern Gaza Amid Hopes for Lasting Peace
Tens of thousands of Palestinians began returning to the devastated northern areas of the Gaza Strip on Friday, October 10, 2025, as a U.S.-mediated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect. The agreement, which includes the release of all remaining hostages within the coming days, has sparked renewed optimism for a possible end to the long-running conflict.
The truce is part of the ceasefire framework proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed at restoring calm and setting the stage for broader peace discussions. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had earlier terminated a truce in March, suggested that military operations could resume if Hamas refuses to surrender its weapons.
Despite uncertainty surrounding the implementation, the current ceasefire represents an important milestone toward ending a two-year war that began with Hamas’ attack on Israel in 2023. The conflict has claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives and displaced nearly 90 percent of Gaza’s two million residents, many of whom have been forced to flee repeatedly over the past two years.
As people return, much of northern Gaza lies in ruins—entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. Local residents described scenes of destruction as they searched for surviving relatives and remnants of their former homes.
The Israeli military confirmed that the ceasefire officially came into force on Friday, noting that 48 remaining hostages—around 20 believed to be alive—are expected to be freed by Monday. Reports from the ground indicated that the intense shelling, which continued through the early morning hours, subsided shortly after the ceasefire announcement.
In a televised address, Prime Minister Netanyahu said that the next phase of the agreement involves the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarisation of Gaza.
He stated, “If disarmament can be achieved through dialogue, we welcome it. If not, we are prepared to ensure it by other means.”
The truce, though fragile, has offered Gazans a brief moment of relief — and a glimpse of what peace might one day look like in the war-ravaged territory.