Displaced Palestinians Begin Return to Northern Gaza After Truce Agreement

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Thousands of displaced Palestinians are making their way back to northern Gaza as a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas appears to hold. Early Monday, the strip's interior ministry confirmed that the families displaced from their homes could start returning after securing an arrangement for the release of an Israeli civilian hostage.

Qatar's mediation led to the agreement, which includes the liberation of the Israeli hostage, Arbel Yehoud, alongside two others before the week ends. This development enabled Israeli authorities to permit the return of Palestinians to their northern homes following over a year of conflict that caused widespread destruction in the area.

As families heard the news, celebrations erupted among those eager to return. “No sleep, I have everything packed and ready to go with the first light of day,” expressed Ghada, a mother of five, as she prepared for the journey home. Social media footage captured the hopeful scene of thousands walking the sandy roads, flanked by the devastation left behind by Israeli strikes.

With the situation evolving, many are optimistic, but concerns remain about the stability of the ceasefire and the conditions for those returning to their homes.

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