Thousands of displaced Palestinians walked back to northern Gaza this week, discovering their homes and communities largely reduced to rubble following the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
At the Jabalia refugee camp, 32-year-old Asma Qaoud observed the extensive damage. “Everything has been devastatedโour homes and our hearts,” she said while sitting near a collapsed building. Upon returning, she learned of her brother’s death and noted her husband remains in Israeli custody.
The ceasefire, which began Sunday, halted Israel’s 15-month military operation in Gaza. The truce has facilitated both the release of Hamas-held hostages and Palestinians in Israeli custody. According to UN data, approximately 1.9 million peopleโ90% of Gaza’s populationโwere displaced during the conflict, with an estimated 60% of the region’s infrastructure destroyed.
The Gaza Civil Defense reported recovering 66 bodies from the rubble on Monday. Local health officials state that over 47,000 people have died during Israel’s military campaign, with researchers suggesting the actual number could be higher due to thousands still missing under debris.
Israel’s offensive began following the Hamas-led October 7 attacks, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. Currently, over 90 people remain in captivity in Gaza. Three female hostagesโDoron Steinbrecher (31), Emily Damari (28), and Romi Gonen (24)โwere released Sunday.
Aid delivery has increased significantly during the ceasefire. UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, reported 600 trucks carrying aid and commercial supplies entered Gaza on Sunday, followed by 900 on Mondayโa substantial increase from the previous average of 50 trucks daily earlier this month.
UN Secretary-General Antรณnio Guterres described the ceasefire and hostage releases as “a ray of hope,” calling for all remaining hostages to be freed and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
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