In a significant development, more than 500,000 displaced Palestinians have begun returning to northern Gaza over the past 72 hours, according to a statement released by the Hamas-run media office on Wednesday.
\"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 announced.
This mass return follows Israel's decision on Monday to allow displaced individuals to move back to the north of the Gaza Strip. The move comes after a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, halting a 15-month-long conflict that has significantly impacted the region.
Adding to the developments, Hamas's armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, has stated it will release three Israeli detainees on Thursday. Israeli public radio reports that in exchange, Israel will free 110 Palestinian prisoners, signaling a potential easing of tensions.
Meanwhile, Gaza's health authorities have reported that hospitals received 63 bodies in the past 24 hours. Of these, 59 were recovered from rubble, two died from their injuries, and two were new fatalities. This brings the total death toll since October 7, 2023, to 47,417, with 111,571 injured, according to health officials.
The recent ceasefire and the ongoing exchange of detainees mark critical steps toward stabilizing the region. The international community watches closely as these developments unfold, hoping for a lasting peace that addresses the humanitarian needs of the Palestinians and the broader security concerns in the area.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
