Thousands of Palestinians from northern Gaza, displaced for nearly 16 months due to Israel’s military offensive against Hamas, began their journey back home on Monday. After a cease-fire agreement, Israel withdrew part of its troops, allowing the displaced people to move north on foot, forming a human column that stretched for miles. Many saw this return as a moment of joy and relief, distributing sweets and celebrating with chants and victory signs.
For Palestinians, the return home carried deep symbolic meaning as many are descendants of refugees who fled their homes during the Nakba in 1948. Displaced Gazans who returned on Monday saw the devastation caused by intense airstrikes and fighting, with many homes and landmarks reduced to ruins. Despite the destruction, for some it was a moment of immense gratitude to have survived the war.
Amid the celebrations and reunions, there were also notes of caution and frustration as the roads were lined with ruins, Israeli drones buzzed overhead, and Hamas officers continued to police the route. Long traffic jams and security screenings slowed the journey, leading some to feel a sense of displacement and sadness despite returning home. The return also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Gazans as they rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the conflict.
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