Tens of thousands of Palestinians flooded the roads leading to northern Gaza on Monday following an agreement between Hamas and Israeli officials to release three Israeli hostages later this week. This development also saw Israeli forces begin withdrawing from a critical corridor in the enclave.
Families carrying belongings and holding children streamed north, moving on foot and by vehicle along the coastal road. Some expressed joy and relief as they made their way back to areas they had abandoned during months of war.
“It’s like being reborn,” said Umm Mohammed Ali, a mother traveling with her family. “This feels like another victory.”
Ceasefire and Hostage Release
The return of residents comes as part of a ceasefire deal brokered by Qatari mediators. Hamas agreed to release Israeli civilian hostage Arbel Yehud, female soldier Agam Berger, and another detainee by Thursday. In response, Israel approved the reopening of access points to northern Gaza starting Monday morning.
Under the ceasefire, 33 hostages are slated for release in the first phase, with Hamas confirming that 25 of them remain alive. Israel’s military has said it believes most of these individuals are still alive.
Life Amid Ruins
The conflict, which began with a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has devastated Gaza. Over 650,000 people fled the north during the war, with extensive destruction leaving much of the enclave in rubble. According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began.
Returnees face immense challenges, with the Hamas-run government estimating a need for at least 135,000 tents and shelters for those seeking to rebuild their lives.
International Oversight and Security
Palestinians returning north are subject to stringent security measures. Vehicles are being x-rayed, and Israeli officials have warned residents against transporting weapons. Egyptian security personnel and Hamas officers are supervising the crossings, ensuring compliance with the terms of the ceasefire.
At a checkpoint in Netzarim, Gaza resident Mustafa Ibrahim described the process as orderly. “Egyptian soldiers are managing everything calmly and efficiently,” he said.
Resistance to Relocation
Amid discussions about long-term solutions for Gaza, Hamas and ordinary Palestinians have rejected proposals by former U.S. President Donald Trump that neighboring countries such as Jordan and Egypt absorb Gaza’s population. Many see such suggestions as an existential threat to their homeland.
“We will never leave Gaza City or the north again,” said Osama, a father of five. “Even if they send a tank for each of us, this is our home.”
Despite the ongoing uncertainties, many Gazans hope the ceasefire signals a turning point toward lasting peace. For now, their focus is on returning to the ruins of their homes and rebuilding their shattered lives.
