Israeli forces began withdrawing from Gaza on Friday following a declared ceasefire, marking a fragile pause in weeks of conflict. Tens of thousands of Palestinian families, many displaced for months, returned to neighborhoods reduced to rubble, facing the daunting task of rebuilding shattered lives.
Residents described scenes of collapsed buildings, debris-strewn streets, and scarce access to clean water or electricity. "We came back hoping to find something salvageable, but there’s nothing left," said Ahmed Al-Masri, a father of four sifting through the ruins of his home in northern Gaza.
The ceasefire, brokered through regional mediators, has raised cautious optimism for sustained calm. Humanitarian organizations warn of an urgent need for aid, with over 70% of Gaza’s infrastructure reportedly damaged. International donors are mobilizing relief efforts, though long-term recovery remains uncertain.
Analysts highlight the ceasefire as a critical window for diplomatic engagement, while businesses eye reconstruction opportunities in the region. For now, displaced families prioritize shelter and basic necessities, their resilience tested amid lingering tensions.
