Trending |
Israel's war on Lebanon

Palestinians in Gaza join Lebanese in celebrating ceasefire on social media

People from Rafah to the southern suburbs of Beirut welcomed ceasefire deal in Lebanon while hoping for similar outcome in Gaza
A woman waves the flags of Lebanon and Palestine as she greets people in the southern Lebanese city of Sidon, on 27 November 2024 (Anwar Amro/AFP)
By Maysa Mustafa
Published date: 27 November 2024 20:54 GMT | Last update: 45 min 8 sec ago

As the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon enters its first full day, Palestinians from Gaza have joined Lebanese in celebrating the deal online as they thank them for their solidarity in their fight against Israel.

Over 3,800 people were killed in Israel’s attacks on Lebanon over the past year, since hostilities began a day after the outbreak of the war on Gaza on 7 October 2023 after the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel. 

As the ceasefire went into effect in the early hours of Wednesday morning, social media was flooded with posts of Lebanese returning to their homes in the south, and those worldwide celebrating their homecoming - even in the Gaza Strip. 

New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch

Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters

In Gaza, Palestinian Abubaker Abed's reaction to hearing about the ceasefire, for example, was that the good news "is ours, not theirs". 

Journalist Anas al-Sharif also expressed his happiness, writing: "May God write for us in Gaza a quick relief, as He wrote for them, and may He have mercy on our martyrs and their martyrs, heal our wounded and their wounded, and return our absent and their absent."

Many online have said they see Hezbollah's agreement to the ceasefire as a signal that the group has been decoupled with the Palestinian cause. But many Palestinians in Gaza have expressed gratitude for those in Lebanon, not betrayal.

Palestinian journalist Hossam Shabat took to X to thank those in Lebanon from Gaza: "The world will witness that those who stood with us and supported Gaza were Lebanon and its people. In the darkest of circumstances, their positions were honorable and supportive, embodying the meaning of true brotherhood and solidarity."

While most posts coming out of Gaza are expressing their gratitude to Lebanon, others have asked what this means for the future of the besieged enclave, where conservative estimates say the death toll has reached at least 44,250. 

One social media user posted: "I'm so happy that there will be a ceasefire in Lebanon because nobody deserves to experience death and displacement, but will we live to see a ceasefire in Gaza or is it just an impossible dream that will never come true?"

In contrast, Moayed Harazen posted that the streets "are abuzz today with discussions about the end of the war in Lebanon" and that people are "filled with hope and optimism that this could mark the beginning of an end to the conflict in our own land". 

"Just as the people of southern Lebanon returned home, we dream of returning to northern Gaza. We will celebrate, just as they celebrated their return, and we share in their joy."

The images that have sparked hope for many in Gaza continue to be posted online en masse as Lebanese return to their homes.

"Good morning from Houmine El Fawqa, Nabatieh District," one social media user posted, with a picture of a cup of coffee. 

Many posted that they found letters when they returned to their homes from Hezbollah fighters who used the house for food and shelter during the war. 

One of the letters, accompanied by some money, reads: "Please forgive us for using your home, livelihood, and the supplies of the house. In order to maintain our good conscience, we decided to leave a modest amount of money as compensation. We hope you return to your beautiful home with your heads held high." 

As many posted pictures celebrating their homecoming, others have highlighted the level of destruction in the southern villages.

Dr Ghassan Abu Sitta, who has treated patients in both Gaza and Lebanon, took to X to point out that many may never understand the Lebanese people's eagerness to return to their homes, which have been devasted, or Palestinians that remain in northern Gaza despite the immense danger. 

Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form. More about MEE can be found here.

Read more

Israel's war on Lebanon
Full text of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon
Israel's war on Lebanon
In pictures: The southern suburbs of Beirut come back to life
Israel's war on Lebanon
Relief and joy as 'victorious' Lebanese return to their homes in Beirut's Dahiyeh