Tens of Thousands of Palestinians Return to Northern Gaza Under Ceasefire Agreement
Residents Seek a Fragile Homecoming Amidst Ruins
Tens of thousands of Palestinians streamed back to the northern Gaza Strip on Monday, returning to the most devastated regions of the territory as Israel reopened access to the area for the first time since the early days of the 15-month war with Hamas. The reopening followed a fragile ceasefire agreement.
Crowds carrying belongings on foot stretched along the coastal highway in scenes that reversed the mass displacement from the north at the war’s onset. For many Palestinians, the return is bittersweet; while eager to reclaim their homes, many are braced to find widespread destruction.
A Defiant Return Amid Hardship
For Ismail Abu Matter, a father of four, the return was an emotional moment. “It’s the joy of return,” he said, describing jubilant scenes of singing, praying, and tearful reunions with loved ones. Abu Matter, whose family was displaced during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, viewed the return as an act of resilience. “We had thought we wouldn’t return, like our ancestors,” he added.
The reopening was delayed for two days due to a disagreement between Hamas and Israel over the sequence of hostage releases. Mediators, including Qatar, resolved the dispute, paving the way for Monday’s crossings.
Ceasefire Offers a Glimmer of Hope
The current ceasefire aims to halt the deadliest conflict between Israel and Hamas to date and facilitate the release of hostages taken during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack. Under the agreement, Hamas will release 33 hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinians detained by Israel.
The initial phase of the ceasefire, which lasts until early March, has already seen the release of seven hostages by Hamas, with Israel reciprocating by freeing over 300 Palestinian prisoners. Defense Minister Israel Katz affirmed that Israel would enforce the ceasefire but warned that violations would be met with force. “We will not allow a return to the reality of Oct. 7,” Katz wrote on social media.
Challenges Ahead in Negotiations
The ceasefire’s second phase, expected to address the release of an additional 60 hostages, remains unnegotiated. Hamas insists it will not release more captives unless Israel ends its military campaign, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to defeating Hamas and ending its nearly 18-year control of Gaza.
The War’s Devastating Toll
The war, triggered by Hamas’ October 7 attack that killed over 1,200 people and abducted 250 others, has left a profound humanitarian crisis. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, with women and children accounting for more than half of the casualties. Israeli forces report over 17,000 Hamas militants have been killed, though independent verification of combatant figures remains unavailable.
Israeli airstrikes and ground operations have displaced 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, leaving neighborhoods reduced to rubble. The immense loss underscores the urgency of finding a resolution to this protracted conflict.
Temporary Passage Amidst Uncertainty
Starting at 7 a.m. on Monday, Palestinians were allowed to cross the so-called Netzarim corridor on foot, bypassing inspection, while a checkpoint for vehicles with an inspection mechanism was set to open later. For many, the journey home is not just about reclaiming a physical space but also asserting their right to remain in Gaza despite the devastation.
Hamas described the reopening as “a victory for our people” and a rejection of proposals by U.S. President Donald Trump to resettle Palestinians in neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan. However, the road ahead remains fraught, with both sides showing little inclination to compromise on their broader goals.
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