More than half a million displaced Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza in the past 72 hours, according to the Hamas-run media office. The mass movement comes after Israel began allowing residents to return to the area following a newly established ceasefire.
\"More than half a million displaced Palestinians have returned in the past 72 hours from the southern and central governorates to Gaza and northern governorates via Al-Rashid and Salah Al-Din roads,\" the media office stated on Wednesday.
The return of residents signals a significant shift in the region's dynamics after 15 months of intense fighting. The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, enacted on Monday, has paused hostilities and opened the door for displaced individuals to return to their homes in the north of the Gaza Strip.
Amid these developments, Hamas's armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, announced plans to release three Israeli detainees on Thursday. In a reciprocal move, Israeli public radio reported that Israel would release 110 Palestinian prisoners.
Despite the ceasefire, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. Health authorities in Gaza reported that hospitals received 63 bodies in the past 24 hours, including 59 recovered from rubble, two who succumbed to their injuries, and two new fatalities. This update brings the total death toll since October 7, 2023, to 47,417, with 111,571 individuals injured.
The international community continues to watch closely as the ceasefire holds, bringing a glimmer of hope for stability in a region long plagued by conflict. The return of displaced residents marks a critical step towards rebuilding and recovery, but significant challenges remain in addressing the humanitarian needs of the population.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
