A ceasefire agreement, which took effect on Friday, has led thousands of Palestinians to journey from the southern region of Gaza back to Gaza City. The Israeli military is undertaking a redeployment. This move is consistent with a blueprint that the Israeli government has recently adopted. Since the attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, virtually the entire population of northern Gaza has been displaced, and many now return to find their homes reduced to rubble.
The ceasefire further marked the beginning of a 72-hour countdown clock for Hamas to release all hostages taken during the October 7 attack. Unsurprisingly, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have begun to withdraw from some of these areas. Though they’ve been very limited, radials still play an important and active role in places like Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia, and Shuja’iyya. As a result, IDF spokespersons issued threats against civilians who came close to these areas. Battle over air policy, advocacy continues. The future is still very up in the air.
A Difficult Journey Home
Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians began to make their way home to Gaza City. The emotional anguish of what they’d experienced was painfully visible. As Sair Hikmat Subh, who lives in Beit Lahiya, expressed his fatigue but remaining optimism. “And most importantly, like all of you, I am tired and fed up,” he exclaimed. “Yet I am looking forward to going back home soon.” Subh has suffered tremendously throughout the war. He has experienced almost 20 displacements and sadly lost two children—a son and daughter—to the violence that continues to persist and plague their lives.
For so many returning residents, their neighborhoods are an alien landscape. Now the devastation left in the wake of that conflict has changed what once were recognizable local landmarks into piles of rubble and debris. CLINICAL IMPACT Medical facilities have been hit particularly hard, with recent accounts already emerging of hospitals completely razed. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of Al-Shifa hospital, confirmed that at least 33 Palestinian bodies were recovered from Gaza City on Friday, highlighting the grim reality that many face upon return.
Majdi Fuad Mohammad Al-Khour, reflecting on his own children’s graves, articulated deep hopelessness at the loss of his home – “how can I go on?” Forty years of sweat equity in this home,” he cried. Al-Khour, 70, talked about how difficult it has been to start his life again. He did not expect to be struggling with health issues and the uncertainty of being displaced.
“I am 70 years old now. Since I was 10, I worked until I could marry, build this house, and have children. Now I cannot work, and my health does not allow me to.” – Majdi Fuad Mohammad Al-Khour
Health Crisis Amidst Ruins
The health service in Gaza has been crushed under the burden of decades of war. Dr. Yousef Abu Al Rish, deputy minister of health for Gaza, posted an incredibly moving video. It highlights the staggering toll damaged medical infrastructure and technology. The complete destruction of hospitals like Al Rantisi highlights the challenges facing returning residents who may require medical attention or support.
For medical teams returning to their posts, they have found a scene of unimaginable destruction. Their staff found out that their hospital had been totally destroyed. This devastation exacerbated an already dire health crisis in the enclave. The challenges aren’t just practical — they create new emotional trauma for healthcare workers and returning patients after the lockdowns.
Even as reconstruction stretches into what feels like an impossible future, most displaced residents still want to go home, even if it’s in ruins. Ahmad Abu Watfa voiced a sentiment shared by many: “I pray that God relieves our sorrow and distress and that people return to their homes. Even if the homes are leveled to the ground, we are coming back, Insha Allah.”
Continuing Danger and Uncertainty
Even as this ceasefire affords a welcome break from violence, the future is uncertain for the people who are going back. The IDF’s ongoing occupation of areas behind the Green Line endangers innocent civilians, as they reportedly continue to walk through battle-scarred streets.
The IDF spokesperson emphasized the need for caution among returning families: “Approaching the zones where the forces are stationed is extremely dangerous.” Our children are playing in traffic. Every family has to dodge these war zones. They pursue these paths to seek out safety and security during overwhelming violence and war.
The road ahead for these returning Palestinians is still full of obstacles. With homes blasted to rubble and basic services completely shattered, restoring lives will be a long and painful undertaking.
