ALWAGHT- Hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians are returning to northern Gaza following an agreement between Hamas and Israel to exchange Israeli captives for Palestinian prisoners.
Following a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, thousands of displaced Palestinians have begun returning to northern Gaza. The agreement includes a phased exchange of captives, with Hamas releasing Israeli captive Arbel Yehud and two others by Friday, alongside the planned release of more than 1,890 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 33 Israeli captives. Mediated by Qatar and Egypt, the ceasefire comes after a devastating 15-month-long conflict, during which Israeli forces fell short of achieving their stated objectives, such as eliminating resistance in Gaza and forcibly displacing its population.
Hamas and Islamic Jihad hailed the return of Palestinians as a victory, asserting that it symbolizes the resilience of their people and the failure of Israeli efforts to displace them. They emphasized the strong connection Palestinians have to their land, despite the widespread destruction caused by the war, which claimed over 47,000 Palestinian lives. Hamas described the scenes of return as a testament to their people's steadfastness and determination, while Islamic Jihad condemned Israel's conditions tying the return to the release of captives as an attempt to undermine their collective resolve.
Former Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized the ceasefire and the return of Palestinians, calling it a surrender and demanding a resumption of military actions in Gaza. His remarks reflect deep divisions within Israeli leadership, as he resigned earlier this month in opposition to the ceasefire deal. Meanwhile, Palestinians continue to view the return as a significant moment of resistance and resilience amidst the ongoing conflict.
