Gaza City, Oct 11, 2025 — Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians are returning to northern Gaza following a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, ending months of relentless bombardment that left large parts of the enclave in ruins.
The Israeli military confirmed it has withdrawn forces from the Netzarim Corridor, which had split the Gaza Strip in two, allowing families to make their way north toward Gaza City and other devastated areas for the first time in months.
A Tide of Humanity Moving North
Along Gaza’s al-Rashid Street, scenes of exhaustion and determination unfolded as families — some on foot, others in carts or battered vehicles — carried what remained of their belongings through damaged highways and rubble-strewn streets.
According to Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud, the road, once bulldozed and cratered by Israeli operations, has become a lifeline for thousands attempting to return to their destroyed neighborhoods.
“People are taking the same road they once used to flee — now hoping to return home for good,” Mahmoud reported from central Gaza.
Another correspondent, Tareq Abu Azzoum, described families carrying tents, furniture, and personal items northward, setting up makeshift shelters amid the ruins of their former homes.
Destruction and Uncertainty
For many returnees, what awaits is devastation. Entire residential blocks in Gaza City have been flattened, leaving few standing structures. Humanitarian agencies warn that temporary shelters, clean water, and medical aid are urgently needed for those going back.
“While this return marks a significant moment, it must be supported by real humanitarian measures,” Abu Azzoum said.
Israel’s war on Gaza since October 2023 has left more than 67,000 people dead and over 169,000 injured, according to Gaza’s health authorities. The conflict began after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, which killed 1,139 people in southern Israel and led to around 200 hostages being taken.
Mixed Emotions Among Returnees
In the southern city of Khan Younis, 32-year-old Ameer Abu Iyadeh expressed cautious relief:
“We thank God for this situation. We’re going back home, but we carry deep wounds and sorrow.”
Similarly, Areej Abu Saadaeh, 53, who lost two children during the conflict, said the truce brought both grief and hope.
“I’m happy to go back home,” she said. “Even though I lost my son and daughter, the truce gives us a chance to rebuild our lives.”
Ceasefire and Next Steps
Under the first phase of the ceasefire plan, Israeli forces are required to pull back from several key areas while humanitarian aid flows into Gaza. The truce also paves the way for talks on prisoner exchanges and longer-term arrangements aimed at preventing renewed hostilities.
Despite the fragile calm, aid groups caution that Gaza faces an immense reconstruction challenge amid destroyed infrastructure, limited power supply, and deep psychological scars left by nearly two years of war.
SEO Summary
Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians are returning to their homes in northern Gaza after Israel’s partial military withdrawal under a ceasefire with Hamas. Families are moving through destroyed highways and ruined neighborhoods, marking the largest return movement since the conflict began. Humanitarian agencies warn of a looming crisis of shelter and resources as Gaza struggles to recover from one of the deadliest wars in its history.
