Gaza Deir al-Balah – Residents are now feeling a mixture of relief and disbelief as a long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect in Gaza on Sunday, marking a pause in one of the region’s most devastating wars.

As the skies finally return to calm after months of relentless Israeli attacks, people are returning to their devastated communities, facing the daunting challenge of rebuilding lives torn apart by 15 months of war.

Displaced residents who have taken refuge in the makeshift camp of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza spoke to Al Jazeera to share their mixed emotions, losses and hopes and fears for the future.

Hamza al-Ramlawi, 70, from Tal al-Hawa, Gaza City

“We are very happy and relieved that the ceasefire agreement was finally reached,” Ramlawi said.

“Sorrow will remain in our hearts. We will remember those we have lost in our families and loved ones. We will return to joy, but joy filled with loss and sadness.

“I will remember my son Mohammed, who was killed in an explosion near the Zaweida tent in central Gaza. His loss is as great as the universe.

“For us, now that the bleeding has finally stopped, we can go about our days in peace.

“This was the first night we slept peacefully. Every night during the war we slept in fear of any attack against us.

“We’ve had enough of war. Hopefully both sides can calm down and let people live their lives.

“We hope this truce will last. We cannot stand this great battle that turns our lives into a disaster.

“I would be lying if I said I would happily return home to the North after losing my son. Let me remain silent.”

Suleiman Abdel Qader, 74, resident of Deir al-Balah

“We thank God that the war has finally stopped. I hope that all displaced people can return to their homes as soon as possible,” Abdul Kader said.

“People are in pain and have lost a lot. Some of our relatives are still buried under the rubble, and some are missing.

“I’m still angry with the European world and the United States because they didn’t put enough pressure at the beginning of this 15-month war.

“Everyone in Gaza is suffering tremendously.

“I want people’s wounds to heal, the injured to be treated, and the bereaved to be comforted.

“Despite my many concerns, we hope the ceasefire will continue because Israel is not keeping its commitments.”

Samah Shalail, 44, mother of five, from Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza:

“The first day of the ceasefire felt strange. Some people were celebrating and rejoicing, while others were crying and remembering their loved ones who had lost their lives in this war,” Sharer said.

“It was the first night we slept peacefully and we felt secure because we knew the bleeding would stop, we would return to our land and we would start a new life.

“The Palestinian people are hopeful and determined to move forward.

“When the ceasefire was first announced, I felt cautiously optimistic. But as the prisoner exchanges began and the planes disappeared from the sky, I started to feel a little relieved.

“The heart is still hurt. There is no talk of joy and happiness, but there is psychological relief. We are still afraid of the obstacles that await us. The country is completely destroyed.

“I expect the ceasefire to last as long as an agreement is reached to release prisoners and hostages.

“I’m excited for the period ahead, excited for life to resume again. I want my kids to be back at their desks.”

Soheila Hazem, 65, from Deir al-Balah:

“The feeling of the ceasefire is indescribable,” Hazim said. “We are still deeply affected and suffering from the war.

“Last June I lost my son Hatem, 30 years old and the father of three daughters, in an explosion in Deir al-Balah. My sister also lost her only son, my The brother also lost his son, and no one was spared the loss. We all suffered greatly in this war.

“We finally fell asleep after a long separation. We couldn’t sleep because of the bombings and fear. If the bombings weren’t for us, they were for my neighbours, my family or people we knew elsewhere. Every night, when When darkness falls, so does worry and fear.

“In this war we are all one family and our wounds are common. We wait for the end of the war to know the fate of those who have lost contact due to communication failures.

“Things are easier for us now. We feel relieved and hope that the international community will continue its efforts to stabilize the truce.

“Everyone must know that this is our land and it is our right to live here. We ask God to compensate us for what we have lost.

“I have no plans. I just want a normal, stable life.”