Tens of thousands cross back into the northern strip, ending over a year of displacement.
A Dawn of Hope Amid Ruins
In the early hours of Monday, large crowds of Palestinians began walking back to their homes in northern Gaza after Israel opened military checkpoints that had divided the strip for over a year. This marked the end of a long displacement, feared by many to be permanent.
- Returning to Ruins: Many families anticipated finding their homes destroyed but were determined to pitch tents on their land.
- Emotional Returns: Osama, a 50-year-old public servant, expressed his resolve:
“Whether the ceasefire succeeds or not, we will never leave Gaza City and the north again, even if Israel would send a tank for each one of us.”
Delays in Return Due to Ceasefire Crisis
The return was delayed by 24 hours due to the release of an Israeli hostage, Arbel Yehoud.
- Accusations Fly: Israel accused Hamas of violating an agreement to release female civilian hostages first.
- International Speculation: Former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested “clearing out” Gaza by relocating 1.5 million Palestinians to neighboring countries, intensifying fears among displaced residents.
A Fragile Ceasefire Holds
After last-minute negotiations on Sunday night, the ceasefire deal was preserved, leading to an agreement:
- Hostage Updates: Hamas provided details about 26 hostages, confirming eight deaths.
- Checkpoints Opened: By Monday morning, checkpoints allowed tens of thousands to make the journey back home.
The Difficult Journey Home
Families carried what little they had in plastic bags and makeshift carts as they traveled roads destroyed by war.
- Scenes of Resilience:
- Children Singing: A hopeful sight amidst the devastation.
- Elderly Support: Younger relatives assisted the elderly and disabled on their journey.
- Tearful Reunions: Families were reunited, some captured in emotional videos.
Harsh Realities of Northern Gaza
The return highlighted the immense challenges ahead:
- Devastation: Entire neighborhoods were reduced to rubble.
- Starvation and Blockades: Northern Gaza had faced severe malnutrition and blockades during the war, with limited access to food aid.
Risks and Warnings Persist
Despite the reopening of the north, risks remain:
- Israeli Military Control: Buffer zones and restrictions on marine activities remain in place.
- Fatal Incidents: Israeli forces opened fire on civilians waiting to cross, killing two and injuring nine, including a child.
U.S.-Israel Relations Amid Regional Tensions
The U.S. reaffirmed its support for Israel, signaling strong defense ties:
- Calls for Support: New U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed commitment to Israel’s defense capabilities.
- Lebanon Deadline Extended: Israel extended its withdrawal deadline from southern Lebanon to February 18 due to unmet security commitments by the Lebanese army.
