Wails punctuate cries of joy as Israel-Gaza ceasefire takes effect

With guns and munitions falling almost silent on both sides, the long-awaited Israel-Gaza ceasefire has taken effect. Screams of joy amid hugs melted into tears as three Israeli hostages freed from captivity had an emotional reunion with their families inside their country. Militant group Hamas released the trio after 471 days of captivity following the signing of a ceasefire deal with Israel mediated by US, Egypt and Qatar.

The Israel-Hamas war that has seen immense loss to life and property inside Gaza was precipitated when Hamas militants attacked Nova Music festival inside Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in numerous casualties. The three freed hostages who were handed to Red Coss intermediaries in Gaza at the weekend include Romi Gonen, 24, Doron Steinbrecher, 31, and Emily Damari, 28.

In an unusual gesture, members of Hamas' military wing, the Qassam Brigades, handed each of the freed hostages a paper bag, purportedly containing gifts, with the armed group's logo on it. International media outlets reported that the bags containing a necklace, photos of the hostages during captivity and a "certificate of release" were confiscated by the Israeli internal security service.

Meanwhile, thousands of Gazans who returned to the territory following the ceasing of Israeli bombardment cried over the rubble of their homes. Gaza's Civil Defense issued a statement saying it lost 99 staff in Israeli targeting during hostilities.

Since the war began, 14 of the 27 Civil Defence centres or headquarters have been destroyed and three damaged, the statement said.

The ceasefire took effect in the wake of incoming US President Donald Trump taking office on Monday. Trump had vowed to wreak havoc on Hamas if Israeli hostages were not released ahead of him occupying the White House Oval Office.