Thousands of displaced Palestinians began their return to northern Gaza on Monday, after being forced to evacuate nearly 16 months ago due to Israeli military operations against Hamas. Many carried their belongings as they walked for miles, some with children and mattresses in tow, marking a significant and emotional moment for those yearning to return home.
Following a delay caused by negotiations between Israel and Hamas, the Israeli military cleared the coastal road by 7 a.m., allowing pedestrians to proceed north, while car owners were later permitted to travel via an inland route with inspections.
The sight of returning evacuees formed a long human column, with expressions of joy evident among those making the trek. “We’re so overjoyed,” said one returning high-school student, capturing the elation felt by many. Celebratory gestures, such as distributing sweets and chanting messages of hope, highlighted the significance of the moment for these individuals.
The return was charged with historical symbolism for many Palestinians, who have experienced repeated displacements since the establishment of Israel in 1948. Many regarded their recent evacuation as a second Nakba, a term used to describe the mass displacement of Palestinians. The idea of returning home became an act of defiance against this historical context.
Returning residents encountered a landscape marked by destruction, as intense Israeli airstrikes had devastated northern Gaza. While some found their homes still standing, others returned to ruins and unrecognizable neighborhoods. One resident described walking through devastation that felt apocalyptic, fearing he was walking over graves buried beneath the rubble.
While joy was palpable during the reunions with family and friends, caution and frustration lingered among the returnees. The presence of Israeli drones and ongoing security checks by foreign contractors underscored the challenges that remained in their return journey. The atmosphere reflected a complex mix of hope for the future and the harsh realities of their environment.
As the returning individuals and families navigated through the wreckage, many were grateful to be alive yet acknowledged that their circumstances remained precarious, living in tents amid the ruins of their former lives.