Alex Boyd & Mallory Moench
BBC News
Watch: Gazans celebrate reports of Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal
“We have been waiting for this for a long time,” 17-year-old Sanabel says. “Finally, I will put my head on my pillow without worrying.”
She is one of millions of Palestinians across Gaza celebrating the ceasefire deal that the US and mediators Qatar say was agreed by Israel and Hamas on Wednesday after 15 months of war.
Part of the first phase of the deal, which takes effect on 19 January, will see Israeli forces pull back from populated areas of Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to their homes. Hundreds of aid lorries will also be allowed into the territory each day.
Those in Gaza have spoken of their joy and relief, but also their sadness and worry as they mourn killed loved ones, and begin rebuilding the territory after more than a year of devastation.
Speaking to the BBC World Service after news of the ceasefire, Sanabel, who is in Gaza City, said: “Finally! We got what we wished for! All of us are delighted now!”
She said her family planned to return home “in the middle of the night” in her father’s newly repaired car.
Both Qatar and the US confirmed the ceasefire and hostage release deal after negotiations progressed in recent weeks, prompting celebrations both in Gaza and from Israeli hostages’ families.
A Hamas official said earlier it had approved the draft agreement from mediators. The Israeli prime minister’s office said there were “several unresolved clauses” but hoped details could be finalised on Wednesday night.
The deal will come into effect on Sunday providing it is approved by the Israeli cabinet.
“I feel great, I have never been this happy before,” Dima Shurrab, 19, told the BBC in a WhatsApp message from Khan Younis. “I can’t believe what’s
Read More