More than 500,000 displaced Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza in the past 72 hours, according to the Hamas-run media office on Wednesday. The mass return comes after Israel began allowing people to move back to the area following a ceasefire agreement with Hamas that paused 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 said in a statement.
The ceasefire, which took effect on Monday, has provided a respite for the war-torn region, allowing families to reunite and communities to begin rebuilding. The movement of people back to their homes marks a significant moment in the conflict, highlighting the urgent need for sustained peace and humanitarian support.
In a related development, Hamas's armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, announced it would release three Israeli detainees on Thursday. Israeli public radio reported that Israel would free 110 Palestinian prisoners in exchange. This prisoner exchange is seen as a hopeful step towards easing tensions between the two sides.
Despite the ceasefire, 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 died of injuries, and two new fatalities. Since October 7, 2023, the total death toll has reached 47,417, with 111,571 injured, according to the authorities.
The extensive loss of life and widespread destruction have left deep scars on the population. International organizations are calling for increased aid and intervention to address the urgent needs of the people in Gaza.
As displaced Palestinians continue to return home, the focus now shifts to rebuilding efforts and the long road to recovery. The recent ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope, but lasting peace will require sustained dialogue and cooperation from all parties involved.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
