'Life will start again': Palestinians in Gaza react to ceasefire announcement

As the long-awaited ceasefire in Gaza was announced on Wednesday, displaced Palestinians celebrated and expressed both relief and fear while hoping that the agreement would hold.

Shourouk Shahine, a Palestinian journalist in Deir al-Balah, told Middle East Eye that she feels “a very conflicted feeling, very mixed emotions, we are holding our breath”.

“There were many rounds of negotiations that used to take place before being ruined by conditions from the [negotiating] sides, and we would fall into despair after feeling hopeful,” she said.

“This time, however, we feel like there was seriousness in the negotiations and noticed international pressure on all sides. Therefore, we are potentially heading towards a ceasefire.”

The ceasefire, which will be implemented in three phases starting on 19 January, will see countless displaced Palestinians return to their cities and towns.

Read more: 'Life will start again': Palestinians in Gaza react to ceasefire announcement