October 11, 2025

On Friday, October 10, 2025, tens of thousands of Palestinians marched back to the heavily destroyed northern Gaza Strip. A US-brokered ceasefire finally took effect, sparking fresh hopes to end the brutal Israel-Hamas war. The deal includes the release of all remaining hostages within days. But questions swirl around who will govern the battered Gaza and if Hamas will give up its weapons, as the US plan demands. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not sugarcoat matters. In a fiery TV statement, he warned, “If this is achieved the easy way — so be it. If not — it will be achieved the hard way.” Netanyahu hinted that Israel could restart fighting if Hamas refuses to disarm. This ceasefire is a crucial move to end a devastating two-year war triggered by Hamas' 2023 attack on Israel. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and displaced 90% of Gaza's 2 million people. Many returnees found only ashes and rubble where their homes stood. Israel's military confirmed the ceasefire started on Friday. Out of 48 hostages held by Hamas, about 20 are believed alive and all are set to be freed by Monday. Palestinians reported heavy shelling stopped soon after the ceasefire was declared. Meanwhile, the United Nations received Israeli approval to ramp up aid deliveries to Gaza starting Sunday. A UN official, speaking anonymously, revealed this humanitarian help is vital to fight severe hunger caused by Israeli attacks and blockades. About 170,000 metric tons of aid are ready in Jordan and Egypt, waiting for the green light. United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said fuel, medical supplies, and other essentials have begun moving through the Kerem Shalom crossing. UN officials urge Israel to open more border crossings and assure safety for aid workers and civilians returning to battered areas. Thousands of people, mostly walking, crowded a coastal road heading north in Gaza. Scenes echoed an earlier ceasefire in January, but the destruction now is even worse after Israel’s recent offensive. Israeli forces bombed homes and high-rises to wipe out Hamas’ remaining military sites. Palestinians expressed mixed feelings. Jamal Mesbah, displaced from northern Gaza, said, “There wasn't much joy, but the ceasefire somewhat eased the pain of death and bloodshed, and the pain of our loved ones and brothers who suffered in this war.” In southern Gaza's Khan Younis, many found nothing left of their homes. Fatma Radwan said, “There was nothing left. Just a few clothes, pieces of wood and pots.” People are still digging through rubble to find bodies. Hani Omran added, “We came to a place that is unidentifiable ... Destruction is everywhere.” The conflict erupted when Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Gaza’s Health Ministry says over 67,000 Palestinians died, about half of them women and children, though it does not separate civilians from fighters. The UN and experts consider these figures the most reliable. The war also sparked protests worldwide and accusations of genocide, which Israel denies. Looking ahead, Israel plans to free around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages. But the list excludes Marwan Barghouti, a top Palestinian leader seen as a unifying figure. Israel calls him a terrorist and refuses to release him. Senior Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya said all women and children jailed by Israel will be freed, with releases starting Monday or possibly Sunday night. Hostage families hold cautious hope. Stephen Brisley, whose sister and nieces were killed in the Hamas attack, said, “We hold our hope lightly because we've had our hopes dashed before.” The Trump peace plan behind this ceasefire calls for Israel to keep a military presence on Gaza’s border. An international force, mainly Arab and Muslim troops, would provide security inside Gaza, and the US would lead reconstruction efforts. The plan also suggests a future role for the Palestinian Authority, although Netanyahu opposes this and rejects any Palestinian state for now. This fragile ceasefire may finally bring an end to endless bloodshed and open the door to healing, but many hard questions remain. Will Gaza disarm, rebuild, and find peace? Only time will tell.

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Tags: Gaza ceasefire, Israel-hamas war, Us-brokered peace, Palestinian hostages, Humanitarian aid, Netanyahu,