Ceasefire Allows Thousands of Gazans to Return to Ruined Homes

A fragile truce between Israel and Hamas has enabled displaced Palestinians to journey back north, despite widespread destruction and uncertain futures.

The ceasefire, initiated on January 14, has paused 15 months of intense conflict, allowing displaced Gazans to return to the northern regions for the first time since October 2023.
Over 200,000 Palestinians have already made the journey north, encountering widespread devastation, with 90% of homes in Gaza either destroyed or severely damaged according to the United Nations.
While some Gazans expressed joy at reuniting with loved ones and returning to their lands, many face the harsh reality of living in tents amid the rubble of their former homes.
The agreement includes the release of hostages on both sides, with Hamas returning Israeli captives and Israel releasing Palestinian prisoners, but doubts persist about the truce's durability.
Concerns have arisen about U.S. President Donald Trump's role in the ceasefire, with critics questioning his motives and his controversial suggestion to relocate Palestinians out of Gaza.