Palestinians start returning to northern Gaza under cease-fire deal

Tens of thousands of Palestinians began returning to their homes in northern Gaza on Monday, following a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas that went into effect on Jan. 19.

The return marks the first time many residents have seen their homes since the escalation of conflict in October 2023.

Movement along key routes

Residents moved on foot through the coastal Al-Rashid Street starting at 7 a.m. local time (5 a.m. GMT), according to witnesses and reports from the ground. Vehicles were permitted to travel via Salahuddin Road in eastern Gaza as of 9 a.m.

The Gaza media office confirmed these routes were open for civilian movement, and social media videos showed families celebrating their return with chants and cheers.

Hamas declares victory

Hamas senior leader Izzat al-Rishq described the return of displaced Palestinians as a victory for the group and a defeat for Israel’s expulsion plans: “The return of the displaced is a victory for our people and a declaration of the failure and defeat of the (Israeli) occupation and its displacement plans.”

Al-Rishq also called for an increase in humanitarian aid to the region, which remains heavily blockaded.

The conflict has claimed over 47,000 lives and displaced hundreds of thousands of people, according to Gaza health officials.

Cease-fire agreement details

The cease-fire deal, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, includes the release of hostages and prisoners.

Hamas agreed to release female Israeli hostage Arbel Yehud and two others by Friday. In return, Israel allowed displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza. Seven Israeli hostages, including four soldiers, have been released since the agreement took effect, in exchange for 290 Palestinian prisoners.

The cease-fire has temporarily paused a conflict that began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas launched attacks on Israeli territory.

The fighting has led to widespread destruction in Gaza, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

Reactions from Israel

Former Israeli National Security Minister far-right Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized the agreement, calling the return of Palestinians a “total surrender.” He argued on social media, “This is not what ‘total victory’ looks like—this is what total surrender looks like.”

The opening of the Netzarim highway this morning and the entry of tens of thousands of Gazans into the northern Gaza Strip are images of Hamas’ victory and another humiliating part of the reckless deal.

This is not what “complete victory” looks like – this is what complete surrender looks like.

The heroic IDF soldiers did not fight and give their lives in the Strip to make these images possible. We must return to war – and destroy!

Itamar Ben-Gvir

Humanitarian situation and international response

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza has drawn international condemnation. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for the reported war crimes in Gaza.

Additionally, the International Court of Justice is hearing a genocide case against Israel.

As the cease-fire holds, humanitarian organizations are calling for sustained efforts to deliver aid to the devastated enclave, where more than 111,000 people have been injured and thousands remain missing.