Palestinians Begin Returning to Northern Gaza After Ceasefire

After 15 months of conflict, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have begun returning to northern Gaza as part of a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Displaced families, carrying their belongings in sacks and plastic bags, are walking through the Israeli-controlled Netzarim Corridor, which cuts across the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military allowed crossings via al-Rashid Street from 7am and by vehicle through Salah al-Din Street from 9am. The announcement sparked a sense of excitement among those returning to their homes. Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud, reporting from al-Rashid Street, noted the growing happiness among those returning after weeks of displacement.

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Hamas has described the return as a “victory,” claiming it demonstrates the failure of Israel’s attempts to displace Palestinians. Palestinian Islamic Jihad echoed this sentiment, framing the return as a response to efforts to forcefully remove people from their homes. In a statement, Hamas said the return highlights their people’s determination to resist occupation.

Earlier in the conflict, Israel had evacuated approximately 1.1 million people from northern Gaza to facilitate a military ground invasion. The reopening of the Netzarim Corridor was initially delayed after Hamas failed to release an Israeli female captive during a recent prisoner exchange.