In a significant development amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, thousands of displaced Palestinians began their journey back to northern Gaza on Monday morning, marking the first authorized return since the mass evacuation in October 2023. This movement comes as part of a delicate ceasefire agreement, though the region they’re returning to bears deep scars of intense warfare and widespread destruction.
Return to northern Gaza begins after delays
The crossing through the Netzarim corridor opened shortly after 7 a.m., following a two-day delay caused by disputes between Israel and Hamas over hostage release arrangements. The delay ended after mediators successfully brokered an agreement overnight regarding the release of several hostages, including female soldier Agam Berger and civilian Arbel Yehoud, scheduled for Thursday.
This marks a crucial moment for the estimated one million Palestinians who were forced to evacuate northern Gaza during the initial phase of the conflict. The region has remained largely sealed off since Israeli ground forces began their operations, with those who remained facing some of the conflict’s most intense fighting.
Current status of hostage exchanges
Under the existing ceasefire agreement’s first phase, which extends into early March, Hamas is committed to releasing 33 hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. So far, seven hostages have been freed, including four female soldiers, while over 300 Palestinian prisoners have been released.
Qatar announced that an agreement had been reached for the release of three additional hostages before Friday, separate from the scheduled release of three more hostages on Saturday.
The conflict, which began with Hamas’s October 7 attack that killed approximately 1,200 people and saw 250 taken hostage, has resulted in devastating casualties. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, with more than half being women and children. Israel reports eliminating over 17,000 militants, though this claim remains unverified.
Challenges ahead
While the current phase of the ceasefire progresses, the second phase remains uncertain. Hamas maintains it will not release the remaining approximately 60 hostages unless Israel ends the war completely. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed his commitment to dismantling Hamas and ending their control over Gaza, which has lasted nearly 18 years.
The conflict has had a catastrophic impact on Gaza’s infrastructure and population, with around 90% of the territory’s 2.3 million residents being displaced, many multiple times. Of the roughly 90 hostages still in Gaza, Israeli authorities believe approximately one-third are deceased.
