In a significant development, 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.
\"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.
The mass return follows Israel's decision to allow displaced people to return to the north of the Gaza Strip on Monday, after a ceasefire agreement with Hamas that has paused 15 months of intense fighting.
Adding to the developments, Hamas's armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, announced plans to release three Israeli detainees on Thursday. In response, Israeli public radio reported that Israel would release 110 Palestinian prisoners in exchange.
Meanwhile, Gaza's health authorities reported that hospitals have received 63 bodies in the past 24 hours. Among these were 59 individuals 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 injured, according to official figures.
The recent ceasefire and prisoner exchange signify a potential de-escalation in a conflict that has deeply affected the lives of countless individuals in the region. The return of displaced residents to northern Gaza marks a hopeful step toward stability and reconstruction.
Humanitarian organizations and international observers continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for sustained peace and addressing the urgent needs of those affected by the prolonged conflict.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
