On Monday, tens of thousands of Palestinians began returning to northern Gaza after Israel and Hamas reached a breakthrough in negotiations. The deal allows displaced residents to go home following months of war that devastated the region and displaced nearly all its population.
The crossings opened early Monday morning after Israel confirmed Hamas would release additional hostages later this week. Gazans moved along the coastal and Salahudeen roads, carrying their belongings on foot or in vehicles.
Displaced Residents Return to Their Homes
“It’s a great feeling to go back home and see your family,” said Ibrahim Abu Hassera, a returning resident. Families expressed relief, but many also worried about the state of their homes after months of destruction.
Ghada, a mother of five, shared her excitement, saying, “At least we are going back home. Now I can say the war is over, and I hope it will stay calm.”
Terms of the Ceasefire Agreement
The deal, brokered by Qatar and Egypt, allows 650,000 displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza. This agreement follows weeks of negotiation and Israel’s accusations of Hamas breaching prior truce terms.
Under the agreement:
- Residents can travel north via coastal and eastern roads.
- Israel warned against transferring weapons or militants to the area.
- Hamas committed to releasing additional Israeli hostages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated the importance of adhering to the agreement, stating that any violations would not be tolerated.
Impact of the Conflict
The ongoing conflict has caused immense devastation:
- Over 47,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, according to Gaza health authorities.
- More than 250 hostages were taken by Hamas during the October 2023 attack, which also killed 1,200 Israelis.
- Infrastructure in northern Gaza remains heavily damaged.
A Fragile Peace
The ceasefire agreement brings hope to residents, but the situation remains tense. Mediators from Qatar and Egypt continue to oversee negotiations to ensure the truce holds. For many Gazans, returning home is a bittersweet moment, marked by relief but overshadowed by the scars of war.