Hamas claims victory as Gaza celebrates ceasefire

Cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas after a devastating 11-day offensive is seen as a victory by Hamas.

The Gaza Strip experienced another sleepless night on Friday, but this time it was not because of the intense Israeli bombardment that the besieged coastal territory was subjected to for the past 11 days. Instead, tens of thousands poured into the streets, celebrating the ceasefire agreed by Israel and Palestinian armed groups, chanting in support of the resistance. Mosques sounded the Eid al-Fitr prayers a week after the holiday and sweets were passed around in a celebration that had been postponed by death and destruction. People also took the chance to visit those whose relatives had been killed.