Amidst the Destruction in Gaza – A Day of Dream Fulfillment, 1.5 Million People Return Home – A Flood of Joy and Tears

Amidst the Destruction in Gaza – A Day of Dream Fulfillment, 1.5 Million People Return Home – A Flood of Joy and Tears

Thousands of displaced Palestinians in Gaza are now able to return to their homes in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. Israel's military has announced that starting at 7 AM local time (05:00 GMT), Palestinians will be allowed to enter the north of Gaza on foot via al-Rashid Street, and from 9 AM (07:00 GMT), they will be able to use vehicles through Salah al-Din Street.

This step has been taken following Qatar's announcement that Hamas has agreed to release female Israeli captive Arbel Yehud and two others by Friday, providing information on their conditions as part of the first phase of the ceasefire deal.

Meanwhile, the United States and Lebanon have announced the extension of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal until February 18. However, controversy surrounds Israel's failure to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon, as well as the deaths of 22 people attempting to return to their homes.

At the same time, Palestinians have strongly condemned former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to forcibly displace Gaza's residents to Egypt and Jordan, which many see as a form of ethnic cleansing.

Israel's war against Gaza began on October 7, 2023, and has so far claimed the lives of at least 47,306 Palestinians and left 111,483 injured. In contrast, Hamas-led attacks on Israel killed 1,139 people and captured more than 200.

Among the Palestinians returning to northern Gaza, there is an overwhelming sense of joy and excitement. Many have brought water and food to welcome their loved ones, and the scenes of family reunions are deeply emotional. However, for those whose homes have been destroyed, the days ahead will be challenging.

Many will have to dig deep through the rubble to find their loved ones trapped beneath.

Still, for the 1.5 million people returning to northern Gaza, this is a historic moment. The dream of those displaced since the beginning of the war has finally come true.