The ceasefire, which came into effect on January 19, 2025, has brought hope for the reconstruction of this devastated land.
Mahmoud Basal, a spokesman for the Palestinian Emergency Services, said at least 10,000 bodies remained buried under the rubble, including 2,840 that had been completely burned, leaving no trace of the conflict. Large areas of Gaza have been flattened, with more than 50 million tons of rubble to be cleared. The cleanup will take 21 years and cost about $1.2 billion, according to UN estimates.
People have returned to the markets as goods have started to flow again. “Prices have dropped, the fighting is over and the crossings are open for more goods,” said Gaza resident Aya Mohammad-Zaki. The ceasefire stipulates that 600 aid trucks will enter Gaza each day, including 50 fuel trucks, with half of the goods going to the north, which is facing famine.
The ceasefire has also brought reunions to many families. In the West Bank, Nidaa Zaghebi, a Palestinian woman released from detention, wept as she hugged her three children. “I dream about them every night. Although the family here takes good care of them, a mother’s love surpasses everything,” she said emotionally.
Meanwhile, in Israel, Emily Damari, a recently released hostage, expressed her joy on social media: “I am back to life, with my loved ones. I am the happiest person in the world."
Rebuilding Gaza will cost billions of dollars and could take until 2040 or longer. Some devastated areas contain asbestos, posing a health risk to residents. According to a United Nations Development Program official, the conflict has set Gaza back 69 years.
