After being displaced for over a year by the Israeli military siege, thousands of Palestinians began returning to the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, despite widespread destruction and ongoing hostilities. The siege, which began on October 7, 2023, has left 90% of the infrastructure in northern Gaza destroyed, according to reports.

Related:
Islamic Jihad Confirms Israeli Prisoner Exchange Plans Amid Ceasefire

The UN estimates that at least 200,000 Palestinians began their journey back on Monday, though the Hamas Islamic Resistance Movement claims the figure exceeds 300,000.

In a statement, Hamas announced:

“More than 300,000 displaced members of our great Palestinian people returned from the southern and central governorates to Gaza City and the northern areas via Rashid and Salah al-Din streets, following 470 days of genocidal war by the Israeli occupation forces.”

Many displaced Palestinians spent the previous night in the Netzarim corridor, embarking early in the morning toward northern cities, including Gaza City, which was nearly abandoned during the hostilities.

Hamas noted that over 5,500 officials are working to facilitate safe routes for returning residents. The organization estimates that 135,000 tents and caravans will be required to shelter those whose homes were destroyed.

The destruction in northern Gaza is staggering, with 90% of the area’s infrastructure rendered unusable due to relentless bombing campaigns by Israeli forces.

Despite a ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces have continued attacks. On Monday night, an Israeli airstrike near the Nuseirat refugee camp killed a Palestinian man operating an excavator. This incident brought the death toll to 16 Palestinians since the ceasefire began.

Israel justified the attack by alleging that it targeted “suspicious vehicles” violating the terms of the agreement.

The UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees) warned about the severe risks facing returning Palestinians.

Tamara Alrifai, a spokesperson for UNRWA, highlighted:

“The risk of unexploded ordnance, especially for children, is extremely high. Additionally, access to food and basic necessities is nearly non-existent.”

The agency reports that 60% of the food supplies entering Gaza since the ceasefire began have come from UNRWA.

The return of displaced residents underscores both the resilience and the immense challenges faced by Palestinians in the wake of devastating conflict and occupation.

EN ESTA NOTA: