In an unprecedented movement, over 500,000 displaced Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza in the past 72 hours, following a ceasefire agreement that has brought a pause to 15 months of intense conflict.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Hamas-run media office, \"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 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas went into effect on Monday, allowing for the safe passage of displaced individuals back to their homes in the north of the Gaza Strip. The truce marks a significant milestone after more than a year of fighting that has led to widespread displacement and devastation.
Amid this development, Hamas's armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, announced plans to release three Israeli detainees on Thursday. In a reciprocal gesture, Israeli public radio reported that Israel would free 110 Palestinian prisoners.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. Gaza's health authorities reported that hospitals received 63 bodies in the past 24 hours, including 59 recovered from rubble, two who succumbed to injuries, and two new fatalities. This brings the total death toll since October 7, 2023, to 47,417, with 111,571 individuals injured, according to official figures.
The return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza is a beacon of hope for many families seeking to rebuild their lives. However, the extensive damage to infrastructure and the ongoing humanitarian needs pose significant challenges.
As the ceasefire holds, international observers are closely monitoring the situation, advocating for sustained peace and the provision of essential aid to support the region's recovery efforts.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
