More than 500,000 displaced Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza in the past 72 hours, marking a significant movement of people following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The Hamas-run media office announced on Wednesday that over half a million individuals made their way back to their homes via the Al-Rashid and Salah Al-Din roads.
\"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,\" the media office stated. The mass return underscores the pressing need for stability and reconstruction in the region after prolonged conflict.
Israel began allowing displaced people to return to the north of the Gaza Strip on Monday, following a ceasefire agreement with Hamas that paused 15 months of intense fighting. This ceasefire has brought a temporary respite to the residents of Gaza, many of whom have been living in precarious conditions due to the conflict.
In a further sign of easing tensions, Hamas's armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, announced plans to release three Israeli detainees on Thursday. Concurrently, Israeli public radio reported that Israel would free 110 Palestinian prisoners in exchange. This prisoner swap is seen as a hopeful step towards de-escalation.
Despite these developments, 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. This brings the total death toll since October 7, 2023, to 47,417, with 111,571 injured.
The return of displaced Palestinians and the anticipated prisoner exchange offer a glimmer of hope for the region. However, substantial challenges persist, and the international community continues to watch closely as events unfold.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
