Lagatar24 Desk
Palestinian Territories: Over 300,000 displaced Palestinians returned to northern Gaza on Monday, following a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. The fragile truce also led to the release of six hostages, according to officials from both sides.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed late Sunday that Palestinians would now be permitted to pass through the Netzarim Corridor after a prior restriction accused Hamas of violating the truce terms. Hamas had earlier labeled the restriction a breach of the ceasefire.
Scenes of Return Amidst Devastation
Thousands of Palestinians moved north through the corridor under the watch of Israeli tanks, carrying essential belongings. Many expressed mixed emotions of relief and shock at the extent of destruction. Lamees al-Iwady, a 22-year-old returning to Gaza City, called it “the happiest day of her life,” adding, “We will rebuild our homes, even if it’s with mud and sand.”
Hamas called the return “a victory” for Palestinians, declaring it a sign of resilience against occupation and displacement efforts. However, the returnees face severe challenges, as more than 135,000 tents and shelters are urgently needed for families.
Trump’s Controversial Proposal
The return coincided with US President Donald Trump’s controversial suggestion to relocate Gaza’s population to Jordan and Egypt. This drew sharp criticism from regional leaders and Palestinian officials, with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas rejecting any displacement proposals.
“Jordan is for Jordanians, and Palestine is for Palestinians,” Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi stated firmly. Egypt’s foreign ministry also reiterated its stance against any infringement on Palestinians’ rights.
Hostage Release Developments
As part of the truce, 33 hostages are expected to be freed over six weeks in exchange for 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. However, Israel revealed on Monday that eight hostages initially slated for release were confirmed dead.
In southern Gaza, the European Union resumed its monitoring mission at the Rafah crossing to facilitate the daily transit of wounded individuals, with Italy aiming to assist up to 300 patients per day.
Casualties And Ongoing Conflict
The conflict, which began with Hamas’s October 2023 attack, has resulted in significant casualties. Israeli figures report over 1,200 deaths on their side, while retaliatory strikes in Gaza have caused at least 47,317 deaths, mostly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
