The Hamas administration in Gaza announced today that approximately “300,000 displaced” Palestinians commenced their journey back to the northern regions of the territory. This return follows the Israeli military’s decision to allow the resettlement starting early this morning.
A succinct communiqué from Hamas’s press office indicated that multitudes “returned today… to the governorates of the north” within Gaza.
This much-anticipated return, which faced delays over the weekend, came to fruition after Hamas consented to release three Israeli hostages later this week, supplemented by a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from a vital corridor spanning the enclave. This movement aligns with the terms of a ceasefire agreement that seeks to end the grueling 15-month-long conflict.
Meanwhile, in Israel, anxious families of hostages awaited crucial news regarding the fate of their loved ones, trapped in a web of uncertainty.
As tens of thousands of returning Palestinians made their way along Al-Rashid Street, the coastal strip of Gaza buzzed with an electricity akin to a carnival. “It’s like being reborn, our resilience has triumphed,” shared Umm Mohammed Ali, a jubilant Palestinian mother, lost in the sea of people making the slow pilgrimage towards their homes.
Witnesses noted that the first waves of resettlers arrived in Gaza City at dawn, coinciding with the opening of the initial crossing point in central Gaza, which allowed movement starting at 5 a.m. Irish time. A subsequent crossing activated about three hours later, bringing vehicles into the fold of the returning crowd.
“My heart races with every block I cover; I feared I’d never see this place again,” expressed Osama, 50, a devoted public servant and father who arrived with a flicker of hope lighting his eyes. “Regardless of the outcome of this ceasefire, our love for Gaza City is indomitable. We will not be uprooted again, not even if they send tanks after us.”
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A collective cheer erupted from makeshift shelters and encampments when the announcement of open crossings reached families, who had endured months of upheaval and dislocation. “I barely slept; I was packed and ready to leave before dawn,” said Ghada, a mother of five, her voice a mix of relief and trepidation. “Now, as we return, I can finally proclaim that the war is over; let’s hope for lasting peace.”
Children bundled in thick jackets, clutching backpacks, ambled hand in hand with their parents. Elderly family members were aided in wheelchairs, while groups paused to capture moments against the backdrop of devastated buildings, guided by officials donned in bright red vests marking their roles in the process.
The aftermath of the conflict has left a visible scar on Gaza, a once vibrant area now a haunting landscape of destruction. Approximately 650,000 Palestinians have been uprooted from northern Gaza throughout the ongoing war, ignited by Hamas’s unexpected assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, a day that not only led to the deaths of around 1,200 Israelis but also saw over 250 individuals taken captive, based on Israeli sources.
In that turbulent span, the Gaza Health Ministry has reported more than 47,000 Palestinian fatalities due to sustained Israeli military operations. Many displaced families experienced multiple relocations as geographic zones designated for humanitarian aid were either cleansed for military action or increasingly restricted.
Amidst this rubble-strewn backdrop, the Hamas-run media office revealed that a staggering 135,000 tents and shelters are urgently required for returnees striving to revive their lives among what remains of their neighborhoods.
The ceasefire’s initiation sparked a flicker of hope for many. Residents were poised to return to their homes over the weekend according to the interim agreement. Yet, delays ensued when Israel accused Hamas of breaching the accord by failing to release female hostages, along with a continued Israeli military presence in the region.
Through diplomatic mediation, a breakthrough occurred as Hamas confirmed the release of civilian female hostage Arbel Yehud, alongside soldier Agam Berger, slated for later this week—smoothly paving the way for the return nearly 48 hours before three additional hostages were scheduled to be released.
As hosts of families grappled with uncertainty, a Hamas official disclosed the condition of those awaiting release, reporting a hopeful figure: 25 of the 33 held civilian hostages alive. Yet, coupled with this announcement was the somber report of eight fatalities among hostages, which complicated the emotional landscape for families seeking closure amidst the waves of news that trickle in.
Ofri Bibas shared the anguish her family is enduring, stating, “We wait in this sea of rumors. Certainty eludes us. Still, we clutch onto hope, longing for the day when we are reunited.” Shiri Bibas, connected to the three abducted family members, including her husband, is a poignant tale of anguish as each day without resolution drags on.
Meanwhile, the sentiment among many Gazans remains resistant to discussions about rehoming Palestinians in neighboring countries. Critics of U.S. proposals—which suggest relocating Palestinians to Jordan or Egypt—label these interventions as dangerously reminiscent of ethnic cleansing. Such notions stir up old fears within the Palestinian populace of losing their homelands permanently.
According to the regulations set forth in the ceasefire agreement, only those wholly unarmed are permitted to return to the northern territory. The Israeli military has explicitly cautioned Gazans against carrying any weapons or making contact with Israeli troops during their journey.
Throughout the crossings, Egyptian security personnel oversaw those returning via Salahuddin Road, with Hamas police offering reinforcement and guidance. A local resident, Mustafa Ibrahim, described the process at the Netzarim junction, saying, “Young Egyptian soldiers monitored the vehicle checks and treated everyone with kindness. The entire operation flowed smoothly, taking just a few minutes.”
As the dust begins to settle for the returning Palestinians, their stories, strife, and resilience continue to emerge from the shadows of destruction. These personal narratives woven through immense struggle remind us of the human spirit’s capacity for hope even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Report By Axadle Desktop.
