On Monday, January 27, thousands of displaced Palestinians began their return to northern Gaza Strip, traveling along Rashid Coastal Street and Salah al-Din Street after receiving authorization starting at 9:00 AM local time.

Related:
Lebanese Government Confirms Extension of Ceasefire Agreement with Israel Until February 18

After spending several nights outdoors in freezing temperatures, the displaced, who had fled south to escape the conflict, were finally granted permission to return to their homes. Many traveled on foot for at least 7 kilometers, navigating roads devastated by the violence and marked by past massacres against civilians attempting to flee.

The conflict has displaced approximately 85% of Gaza’s population, equating to nearly two million people. Currently, 1.6 million Palestinians are living in makeshift shelters that lack basic necessities, facing dire humanitarian conditions.

The destruction of infrastructure and civilian homes has compounded the challenges of returning to a semblance of normalcy, leaving many to rebuild their lives amidst severe devastation.

Simultaneously, Qatar announced a new agreement mediated between Hamas and Israel, facilitating the mutual release of captives. According to Mayed al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the deal includes the release of Israeli hostage Arbel Yehud and two other prisoners by Friday, January 31. The agreement also enabled the beginning of displaced Palestinians’ return to northern Gaza.

The Israeli military confirmed that northern residents would be allowed to return on foot starting this morning, a decision previously conditioned on Yehud’s release. The news was met with joy by many Palestinians, who celebrated in central Gaza streets as negotiations progressed.

The mass return of displaced Palestinians and the current agreements reflect a mix of despair and hope. For many Palestinians, these developments offer a glimmer of relief after decades of conflict and forced displacement spanning more than 76 years of struggle and genocide.

Despite the challenging circumstances, the determination to return home and rebuild lives in Gaza remains a testament to the resilience of millions of Palestinians.

EN ESTA NOTA: