Over Half a Million Displaced Palestinians Return to Northern Gaza Amid Ceasefire
More than 500,000 displaced Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza in the past 72 hours, according to the Hamas-run media office. The mass movement follows a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, bringing a pause to 15 months of intense fighting.
\"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.
Israel began allowing displaced individuals to return to the northern regions of the Gaza Strip on Monday, following the ceasefire agreement. The halt in hostilities has provided a window of respite for many families eager to return to their homes after over a year of displacement.
In a significant development, the Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's armed wing, announced plans to release three Israeli detainees on Thursday. Israeli public radio reported that Israel would free 110 Palestinian prisoners in exchange, signaling a potential easing of tensions.
Despite the ceasefire, Gaza's health authorities reported that hospitals received 63 bodies in the past 24 hours. Among them, 59 were recovered from rubble, two succumbed to injuries, and two were new fatalities. Since October 7, 2023, the death toll stands at 47,417, with 111,571 individuals injured, according to official figures.
The return of displaced residents to northern Gaza marks a critical moment in the region's ongoing struggle for stability. As families reunite and communities attempt to rebuild, the ceasefire offers hope for a more lasting peace.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
