Civilians in Gaza anxiously awaited a temporary ceasefire on Friday, following 15 months of continuous war, as Israel's cabinet met in Jerusalem to finalize the agreement with Hamas.
During the wait, Israel carried out air strikes on the strip, resulting in the deaths of at least 113 people since the initial agreement on Wednesday night, as reported by Gaza's civil defense agency.
The ceasefire deal, confirmed on Friday afternoon, is scheduled to start on Sunday, allowing the people of Gaza just over 24 hours to await relief.
Dr. Abdallah Shabir, an emergency doctor at Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, expressed the prolonged tension, stating, Time is moving slower than ever. Any moment you can lose your life... there is no warning.
The ceasefire news brought a brief moment of joy at the hospital, but it was short-lived as air strikes resumed shortly after, causing a surge of casualties.
Among the casualties was Dr. Hala Abu Ahmed, a dedicated young doctor described by colleagues as kind and promising. She lost her life after tirelessly working under extreme pressure for 15 months.
The ceasefire brought a glimmer of hope to many displaced Gazans who longed to return home to find only devastation. With significant destruction in Gaza, many face the grim reality of returning to shattered homes and a ravaged landscape.
Wael Muhammad, a journalist from a refugee camp, shared conflicting emotions, saying, I am happy that the torrent of blood will stop, but we are living in misery.
The ceasefire deal awaits final approval in the Israeli political system, setting the stage for the release of three hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, the future remains uncertain, with challenges ahead as many in Gaza endure harsh living conditions amidst ongoing instability.
As Gaza braces for the ceasefire to take effect, individuals like Khalil Nateel, who lost his home early in the war, remain cautious, staying vigilant and uncertain about what the future holds.