Tens of thousands of Palestinians are returning to northern Gaza following the reopening of the Netzarim Corridor by the Israeli military. This return, marked by hope and anxiety, is part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. While Hamas claims this as a victory, Israeli officials acknowledge complications in their plans. Discussions regarding hostage releases and the future of Gaza are ongoing, amid tensions over potential relocations of Palestinians and the broader implications for peace in the region.
Joyful Returns: A New Chapter for Palestinians in Northern Gaza
In a significant development, tens of thousands of Palestinians are making their way back to their roots in the northern Gaza Strip. Families are seen carrying their belongings along the coastal road, filled with a mix of hope and anxiety about what lies ahead.
The return was made possible when the Israeli military reopened the Netzarim Corridor early in the morning, which had been closed for several months. This corridor separates the southern region from the north, allowing those who had sought refuge in the south to return to their homes and the remnants of their lives.
In March, 68 children were evacuated from an SOS Children’s Village in Rafah, prompting concerns about the facility’s current status.
A Path Filled with Emotion
According to reports from AP, the first group of returning Palestinians crossed through the Netzarim Corridor shortly after 7 a.m. local time, with travelers on foot not subjected to security checks. Later, a checkpoint for vehicles was established, leading to a long traffic jam extending several kilometers.
An official from Hamas informed the AFP that over 200,000 displaced individuals had returned to various regions of Gaza and North Gaza within the first two hours. Since the outbreak of conflict following Hamas’s large-scale assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, a significant portion of the 2.4 million residents of the Gaza Strip had been relocating within the territory, often multiple times.
This chaotic scene underscores the complex and challenging situation on the ground.
Hamas Declares a Triumph for Their People
The return of residents to northern Gaza is part of a ceasefire agreement brokered between Israel and Hamas. Initially, Israel had encouraged residents to evacuate the area, resulting in approximately one million Palestinians fleeing southward, many of whom lived in makeshift tent camps.
Hamas has characterized this return as a “victory for our people,” while Israeli officials acknowledge setbacks in their plans to occupy the area and resettle Palestinians. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz recently emphasized on the platform X that his government is committed to upholding the ceasefire. He warned that any violations or threats to Israeli forces would have consequences.
As families return north with their belongings, the atmosphere remains charged with uncertainty.
Upcoming Discussions on Gaza’s Future
The Palestinians’ return to the north was initially delayed for two days due to disputes between Israel and Hamas regarding the order of hostage releases. Recently, four Israeli female soldiers were freed, although civilian hostages remained unaddressed.
Israel has specifically requested the release of Hamas hostage Arbel Yehud. Mediator Qatar announced that an agreement has been reached for her release along with two other hostages later this week. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that this additional release would occur on Thursday, coinciding with the anticipated release of another Israeli female soldier.
Netanyahu’s Upcoming Visit to the USA
The future of the Gaza Strip and Israel’s strategic direction will likely be the focal points of a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the new U.S. President Donald Trump. Reports indicate that Netanyahu will be traveling to the U.S. on Saturday evening.
Trump has previously suggested the complete relocation of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to Egypt and Jordan, a proposal that has faced considerable backlash. EU foreign affairs representative Kaja Kallas remarked that the people of Gaza have endured significant suffering and deserve peace, similar to the Israelis. The EU continues to advocate for a two-state solution, a notion dismissed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, as well as Jordan and Egypt.
As the situation unfolds, many are left questioning whether a decisive victory for Israel over Hamas is truly attainable.