376,000 displaced Palestinians return to Northern Gaza, OCHA
Palestinians, who were displaced to the south at Israel’s order during the war, make their way back to their homes in northern Gaza, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, near Gaza City, January 27, 2025. (Reuters)
More than 376,000 Palestinians displaced by the war between Israel and Hamas have returned to northern Gaza, according to the United Nations humanitarian agency OCHA.
In a recent update, OCHA reported that the mass return followed the withdrawal of Israeli forces from key roads along the Netzarim corridor, which leads into northern Gaza.
Despite the widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure, many Palestinians expressed relief at returning. “This is our homeland, and we have to go back,” said Ola Saleh, a displaced woman.
However, for many, the homecoming was bittersweet, as nearly every returning family has lost relatives or friends during the 15-month-long conflict.
The ceasefire agreement, currently in place, aims to bring an end to the war and facilitate the release of dozens of hostages, along with hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned or detained by Israel.
