According to Xinhua News, on Monday (Jan. 27), tens of thousands of Palestinians began returning to their homes in Gaza City and the northern regions of the coastal enclave after being forcibly displaced for 15 months.
This return follows an announcement from Qatar on Sunday evening (Jan. 26) that Hamas and Israel had reached an agreement to release Israeli hostages Arbel Yehud and two others by Friday (Jan. 31). In addition, Hamas is expected to release three more hostages on Saturday (Feb. 1).
Under the agreement, Israel has allowed displaced residents to start returning to the northern Gaza Strip from Monday (Jan. 27) morning.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated early Monday (Jan. 27), "Hamas has conceded and agreed to proceed with an additional phase of hostage releases, scheduled for next Thursday following firm and determined negotiations." The statement detailed that this phase would involve the release of Yehud, a soldier named Agam Berger, and another hostage. Furthermore, three additional hostages are slated for release on Saturday as part of the agreement.
Israel has also received a list from Hamas outlining the conditions and status of all hostages to be released in the initial phase of the deal.
For many displaced families, the journey back to northern Gaza is bittersweet. While there is relief at the chance to return to familiar surroundings, there is also anxiety about the destruction that remains in neighborhoods now reduced to rubble.
"We have to walk about 8 kilometers on foot, but we are happy that, finally, we will be able to return to our areas, even if they are completely destroyed," said Mohammed Hamda, a Gaza resident, as he made his way along the coastal route between Gaza City and southern Gaza.
(Source: Xinhua)
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