Gaza’s Displaced Palestinians Return Home Amid Fragile Ceasefire
CAIRO/JERUSALEM: Thousands of displaced Palestinians returned to the north of war-ravaged Gaza on Monday after Israel and Hamas reached a deal for the release of another six hostages.
Return to Gaza
Large crowds of people moved through the now-open Netzarim Corridor into the north, watched over by Israeli tanks. Some pulled carts weighed down with mattresses and other essentials. Others carried what belongings they could. Late on Monday, the Hamas government in Gaza said "more than 300,000 displaced" had returned during the day "to the governorates of the north", an area of Gaza severely battered by the war.
After reaching the area, men embraced each other. "Welcome to Gaza," read a newly erected banner hanging above a dirt road in front of a collapsed building in Gaza City. "This is the happiest day of my life," said Lamees al-Iwady, a 22-year-old who returned to Gaza City after being displaced several times. "I feel as though my soul and life have returned to me. We will rebuild our homes, even if it’s with mud and sand," she said.
Dark Memories
Speaking to reporters on Air Force One on Monday, US President Donald Trump reiterated his desire to move Palestinians from Gaza, which he described as "hell for so many years", to "safer" locations such as Egypt or Jordan. "I wish he would take some (Palestinians)," Trump said of Egypt’s president, adding, "I think the king of Jordan would do it too."
For Palestinians, any attempts to force them from Gaza would evoke dark memories of what the Arab world calls the "Nakba", or catastrophe – the mass displacement of Palestinians during Israel’s creation in 1948. "We say to Trump and the whole world: we will not leave Palestine or Gaza, no matter what happens," displaced Gazan Rashad al-Naji said.
Visibly Distraught
Israel had said it would prevent Palestinians’ passage to the north until the release of Arbel Yehud, a civilian woman hostage who it maintained should have been freed on Saturday. However, Netanyahu’s office later said a deal had been reached for the release of three hostages on Thursday, including Yehud, as well as another three on Saturday. Hamas confirmed the agreement in its own statement Monday. Later, another group, Islamic Jihad, released video footage of a visibly distressed Yehud. She called on Netanyahu to do everything in his power to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
The Ceasefire
The fragile ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas is intended to bring an end to more than 15 months of war that began with Hamas’s Oct 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Israel had prevented Palestinians from returning to northern Gaza, accusing Hamas of violating the terms of the truce, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said late on Sunday they would be allowed to pass after a new agreement was reached. Hamas had said blocking the returns amounted to a truce violation.
Conclusion
The return of displaced Palestinians to Gaza marks a significant step towards rebuilding and recovery in the war-torn territory. However, the fragile ceasefire and ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of the agreement. As the international community continues to monitor the situation, it is crucial that all parties work towards a lasting and peaceful resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many displaced Palestinians returned to Gaza on Monday?
A: More than 300,000 displaced Palestinians returned to Gaza on Monday.
Q: What is the purpose of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas?
A: The ceasefire agreement is intended to bring an end to more than 15 months of war and to facilitate the release of hostages held by both sides.
Q: What is the current situation regarding the hostages held by Hamas?
A: According to Israeli government spokesman David Mencer, eight of the hostages due for release in the first phase are dead. The remaining hostages are expected to be released in staggered releases over six weeks in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.