In a dramatic turn of events, tens of thousands of Palestinians returned to northern Gaza on Monday, marking the first time the region has been opened since the initial stages of the 15-month war between Israel and Hamas. The reopening follows a fragile ceasefire agreement that aims to de-escalate the deadliest and most destructive conflict in the region’s history.
Reuniting with Families Amid Destruction
Starting at 7 a.m. local time, Palestinians were allowed to cross the Netzarim corridor, a military zone south of Gaza City created by Israel early in the conflict. Massive crowds carrying their belongings on foot poured into the devastated north, reversing the mass exodus from the region at the war’s start in October 2023. Many of those displaced had been living in tent camps and shelters for over a year, unsure if they would ever return.
The scenes were emotional, with families reuniting amid the rubble. “It’s the joy of return,” said Ismail Abu Matter, who crossed with his family after waiting three days. Ahmad and Mohammed Adas, two brothers who had been stuck south of the crossing, echoed similar sentiments, saying they were eager to see their parents after months of separation.
Ceasefire: Hostage and Prisoner Exchanges
The ceasefire, brokered by mediators including Qatar, is intended to secure the release of hostages captured during Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack. Under the first phase of the agreement:
- 33 Israeli hostages are to be released by Hamas in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
- Seven hostages, including four female soldiers, have already been released in exchange for over 300 Palestinian prisoners.
- Additional releases, including Arbel Yehoud, a civilian, and Agam Berger, a female soldier, are set for later this week.
The second phase of the agreement, involving around 60 hostages, remains uncertain, as Hamas demands an end to the war while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains committed to destroying the militant group.
Devastation in Gaza
The war has left northern Gaza in ruins:
- Over 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, more than half of them women and children, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry.
- 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced, with many experiencing repeated displacement due to ongoing airstrikes and ground operations.
- Israel reports killing over 17,000 Hamas militants, though no evidence has been provided.
Entire neighborhoods have been flattened, leaving many returning Palestinians with little more than rubble to call home.
Tensions in Lebanon
Meanwhile, in southern Lebanon, clashes erupted between Israeli forces and protesters demanding the withdrawal of Israeli troops under a separate ceasefire agreement. The violence resulted in 22 deaths and 124 injuries, according to Lebanese health officials.
The White House confirmed that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend the deadline for Israel’s troop withdrawal to February 18, 2025, as Israel claims the Lebanese army has not yet deployed to prevent Hezbollah’s reestablishment in the area.
The reopening of northern Gaza marks a bittersweet milestone in the ongoing ceasefire. While it offers displaced Palestinians a chance to return, the region remains heavily scarred by destruction and loss. With hostage negotiations and regional tensions still unresolved, the path to lasting peace remains uncertain.