JERUSALEM: Thousands of displaced, war-weary Gazans set off across the devastated Palestinian territory to return to their homes on Sunday (Jan 19), after a long-awaited truce between Israel and Hamas
Displaced Palestinians make their way past rubble, as they attempt to return to their homes, following a delay in the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas over the hostage list, in the northern Gaza Strip on Jan 19, 2025.
"I'm very, very happy," said Wafa al-Habeel."I want to go back and kiss the ground and the soil of Gaza. I am longing for Gaza and longing for our loved ones." The truce is intended to pave the way for a permanent end to the war, but a second phase has yet to be finalised. Shai Zaik, an employee at Tel Aviv's art museum, said he had"mixed feelings", but was"full of hope" that the hostages would return.
The war's only previous truce, for one week in November 2023, also saw the release of hostages held by militants in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
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