From refuge to ruin: Thousands of Palestinians return to shattered homes in northern Gaza PHOTO/VIDEO

Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians have begun their long journey back to northern Gaza, crossing the so-called Netzarim Corridor in what marks their first return since the early stages of the 15-month war.

The fragile ceasefire, agreed upon just a week ago, allowed the return of hundreds of thousands to the devastated region, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The return, delayed by two days due to a dispute between Hamas and Israel over the release of an Israeli captive, takes place as part of a ceasefire deal aimed at winding down the deadliest and most destructive war Gaza has ever witnessed. The agreement also includes provisions for the release of captives held by both Hamas and Israel.

For months, Palestinians have been sheltering in overcrowded tent camps and schools converted into makeshift shelters. As they return to what is left of their homes—many of which have been damaged or destroyed during the conflict—there is a sense of both anticipation and despair.

“Hamas declared that the return is a ‘victory for our people’ and a ‘declaration of failure and defeat’ for the Israeli occupation and its transfer plans,” said a spokesperson for the group.

🔴Gazze kuzeyine dönmeye çalışan Filistinliler görüntülendi.

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— Conflict (@ConflictTR) January 27, 2025

Israel had ordered the mass evacuation of northern Gaza at the outset of the war in October 2023, sealing off the area shortly after ground troops moved in. Around a million people fled south, while thousands remained in the north, which bore the brunt of the heaviest fighting and destruction.

Many Palestinians had feared that their exodus would become permanent. These concerns grew after former US President Donald Trump reportedly suggested that Egypt and Jordan could resettle Gaza’s displaced population, fuelling fears of ethnic cleansing.

By Aghakazim Guliyev