Thousands Return to Gaza Amidst Devastation After Ceasefire
In the wake of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians are making their way back to their homes in the Gaza Strip. These residents face an unimaginable scene of devastation, with the ruins of their homes and infrastructure serving as a harsh reminder of the conflict.
The Mass Movement Back to Gaza
An estimated half a million Palestinians have returned to Gaza City and the northern parts of the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire took effect, according to the Palestinian Civil Defense. This mass movement follows the end of Israel's assault on Friday, as reported by the Middle East Eye.
Approximately 200,000 Palestinians made their way back to the northern Gaza Strip on Friday evening alone, as reported by Le Monde. Al Jazeera English described a tide of humanity
returning to Gaza City, carrying their belongings through damaged highways and ruins left by Israel.
The Scale of Destruction
The return of the residents reveals the unprecedented scale of destruction caused by the years of conflict. With basic infrastructure such as water, sewage, and health services lying in ruins, the returning families face enormous challenges.
The reports suggest that an estimated 1.5 million residents of the Gaza Strip have lost their homes, as reported by the Palestinian NGO network. The Middle East Eye reported that Gaza's civil defense has reported that 9,500 people are still missing under the rubble across Gaza. Their teams have already begun rescue operations, recovering the bodies of some 155 people so far.
Furthermore, the alarming statistics of the two-year-long war have devastated Palestinian lives in Gaza, as reported by Clarin. Out of every 10 people, one has lost their life or been injured in an Israeli attack, nine are displaced, and at least three have not eaten for days. Out of every 10 buildings that existed in Gaza before the war, eight are damaged or destroyed.
Ceasefire and Its Implications
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas seems to be holding, as reported by the Japan Times. However, as the dust settles, Palestinians have started taking stock of the two years of war. The conflict has claimed more than 67,000 lives and left most of Gaza in ruins, as reported by the Middle East Eye.
Furthermore, the ceasefire has brought up many questions regarding the viability of Trump's Gaza peace plan, as reported by Deutsche Welle. While Al Jazeera English discussed the dilemma faced by Netanyahu on whether to accept the Trump ceasefire deal for Gaza or pander to his far-right coalition.
Current Status
As the ceasefire holds, the residents of Gaza continue their journey back home amidst the rubble and devastation. Despite the harsh reality, there is a sense of hope among the people as they start rebuilding their lives. However, the uncertainty regarding the peace plan and the potential for renewed conflict remains a pressing concern.
The UN is preparing to ramp up aid deliveries in Gaza as tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians return home. The aid is set to enter Gaza City tomorrow, providing some respite to the people who have erected makeshift tents on the rubble and lack adequate shelter.