Displaced Palestinians Make Journey Back to War-Torn Northern Gaza

Rabat – Displaced Palestinians are making the long journey back to northern Gaza for the first time since Israel’s genocide on the enclave began in October 2023. They are crossing the Netzarim Corridor on foot via al-Rashid Street and some by vehicles on Salah al-Din Street.

Widely spread images showed thousands of Palestinians flocking towards northern Gaza on foot while carrying their belongings.

Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) announced that the crossings would be open starting from 7 a.m. local time for pedestrians and 9 a.m. for vehicles.

Hamas described the return of displaced Palestinians as “a victory”. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the army would continue to enforce the ceasefire protocol and warned against violations. Anyone threatening Israeli forces “will bear the full cost,” he said.

Many Palestinians are relieved to return to their homes, but the situation in northern Gaza remains harsh and nearly inhabitable. Tamara Alrifai, a representative of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), says that nearly 90% of buildings and infrastructure in the area have been destroyed.

“The risks of unexploded devices, particularly for children, are very high. And mostly the access to food, to daily comforts is almost non-existent except for – thankfully, over the last eight days of the ceasefire – the aid that has come in,” Alrifai told Al Jazeera.

UNRWA is responsible for delivering 60% of the food that has entered Gaza since the ceasefire began on January 19.

Palestinians’ return to the north of the war-torn enclave is part of the first phase of the ceasefire. The first six weeks of the truce deal will see Hamas release 33 captives in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinians in Israeli prisons.

In addition, the IOF are supposed to start to gradually withdraw from Gaza, with displaced Palestinians returning to their homes and aid into the enclave increasing.

Meanwhile, the second stage is set to see the establishment of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, with the return of the remaining living hostages in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners, and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently said that Israel reserves the right to resume its war against Hamas at anytime.

The third and final stage of the truce will see the return of remaining bodies of dead hostages and the reconstruction of Gaza.

Newly elected US President Donald Trump made controversial statements on Sunday, saying that Jordan and Egypt should take in Palestinians from Gaza to “clean out” the enclave.