Official announcements from Hamas, Israeli government, or major news outlets

Over 300,000 Displaced Palestinians Return to Northern Gaza After 15-Month War

Jan 28, 2025, 04:33 AM

Over 300,000 displaced Palestinians have begun returning to northern Gaza after Israel opened roadblocks along the Netzarim Corridor following a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The Israeli military has started withdrawing from the area, allowing Palestinians who had been displaced for over 15 months to return home. As part of the deal, Hamas agreed to release three Israeli hostages, including Arbel Yehud. Many returnees traveled on foot along Salah Al-Din and Al-Rashid Streets, with some families even taking to boats to reach northern Gaza. Emotional scenes unfolded as families reunited amidst the ruins of their homes, with many finding their residences destroyed after months of conflict. Hamas declared the return of the displaced a victory for the Palestinian people and a defeat of Israeli plans for forced displacement. Fighters from the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, welcomed the returning families.