Thousands of Displaced Residents Repatriate to Gaza City and Northern Strip

Thousands of Palestinian families started returning to Gaza City and northern Gaza after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect, ending a devastating two-year war that killed over 67,000 Palestinians. The initial withdrawal revealed massive destruction across the territory, with many returnees finding their homes completely destroyed.

Massive crowds moved north toward Gaza City, the territory's largest urban area, which had been the target of one of Israel's most intense military operations in recent days. Families walked along Rashid and Salah al-Din streets, carrying children and their few remaining belongings. Many discovered they had no homes left to return to.

The scale of destruction became clear as Israeli forces began pulling back from parts of Gaza City. The military operation had aimed to gradually occupy the entire territory, starting with the main city.

Gaza's Interior Ministry announced that security forces and police started deploying in areas evacuated by Israeli troops to restore order and secure roads for civilians. This marks the beginning of Palestinian authorities trying to regain control over their territory after months of Israeli occupation.

Early yesterday, the Israeli government approved the ceasefire agreement and prisoner exchange deal with Palestinian factions. The Israeli military confirmed it began repositioning forces in Gaza, with troops withdrawing from inside cities toward the eastern border areas.

"The ceasefire agreement entered into effect at 12:00," the Israeli military said in a statement. "Israeli army forces began positioning on their new deployment lines, in preparation for implementing the truce agreement and the return of hostages."

But the Israeli military warned Gaza residents that several areas remain "extremely dangerous." The military spokesman cautioned against approaching Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahiya, and Shujayea neighborhoods, as well as areas where forces remain stationed. In southern Gaza, the military said it's very dangerous to approach the Rafah crossing, the Philadelphia corridor, and all force deployment areas in Khan Younis.

The withdrawal hasn't been smooth everywhere. In Nuseirat camp in central Gaza, some Israeli soldiers dismantled their positions and headed east toward the Israeli border. But other forces remained in the area after gunfire was heard in the early morning hours, making many residents hesitant to move forward.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, citing the U.S. Defense Department, said the Israeli military completed the first phase of its withdrawal from Gaza, starting a 72-hour period before prisoner releases begin. "U.S. Central Command confirmed that the Israeli military completed the first phase of withdrawal to the yellow line at noon local time," Witkoff wrote on X.

The ceasefire brings hope for rebuilding, but the massive destruction means recovery will take years. For now, thousands of Palestinians are simply trying to find shelter in what remains of their homeland.