Gaza City – January 27, 2025: Tens of thousands of Palestinians made their way back to our homes in northern Gaza on Monday, marking a significant moment in the aftermath of a devastating 15-month-long conflict. While return sparked jubilation among those displaced, it also brought uncertainty as residents prepared to face destruction left by relentless bombings.
Repatriation followed an agreement between Hamas and Israel, under which Hamas pledged to release three Israeli hostages this week. In response, Israeli forces began withdrawing from a key corridor in Gaza, enabling the long-awaited return of displaced families.
Scenes of Jubilation and Uncertainty
A sea of humanity moved slowly along Gaza’s main roads, with families carrying their belongings and children clutching backpacks. Many expressed relief at finally returning to the North, despite fears about what awaited them.
“It feels like I have been born again,” said Umm Mohammed Ali, a man of three, as she walked along the coastal road with her family. “We were victorious by surviving, but I am scared of what we will find at home.”
Early on Monday morning, the first groups arrived in Gaza City after crossings were opened at 7 a.m. Thousands of families, including many who had been displaced multiple times, erupted in cheers as they prepared to leave shelters where they had lived for months.
“We packed everything last night. We didn’t sleep because we wanted to go as soon as the gates opened,” said Ghada, a member of five.
Despite return, the scars of war remain visible. Much of Gaza lies in ruins, with the Hamas-run government estimating that at least 135,000 temporary shelters are needed to house returnees as they rebuild their lives in a devastated landscape.
Cost of War
war, which began after a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has left deep wounds. Over 650,000 Palestinians were displaced, and more than 47,000 were killed, according to the Gaza health ministry. Israel reported 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken during the initial Hamas assault.
Amid the joy of returning, a fragile ceasefire was marred by reports of violence. Palestinian officials said an Israeli airstrike killed a bulldozer driver west of Nuseirat camp in central Gaza. The Israeli military stated that it targeted “suspicious vehicles” violating the terms of the agreement.
Ceasefire Agreement and Hostage Releases
ceasefire deal, mediated by Qatar, faced delays after disputes over the release of hostages. Late Sunday, Hamas agreed to release civilian hostage Arbel Yehud, alongside soldier Agam Berger, and an unidentified hostage on Thursday.
In a statement, Hamas provided a list of hostages’ conditions, confirming that 25 of 33 hostages scheduled for release during the first phase are alive, while eight were killed.
Families of hostages in Israel continue to wait in anguish. Ofri Bibas, sister-in-law of hostage Shiri Bibas, described uncertainty as agonizing. “We are clutching onto hope, waiting to see me alive,” she said.
Hope Amid Destruction
For many Palestinians, return to northern Gaza represents a glimmer of hope after months of despair. However, the road to rebuilding is steep. Amid the rubble and lingering tensions, both sides remain wary of a fragile truce.
As the ceasefire progresses, the people of Gaza hope for lasting peace, but haunting memories of war and challenges of reconstruction remain constant reminders of the conflict’s devastating toll.
