Following the cease-fire and hostage release deal with Hamas, thousands of Palestinians have begun returning to the northern Gaza Strip. Israel lifted its closure, allowing Palestinians to cross on foot without inspection via a coastal road and a checkpoint for vehicles on the main north-south highway.
Israel's military has warned against the transfer of militants or weapons through these routes, emphasizing the importance of not cooperating with any terrorist entities. Hamas has hailed the return as a victory for the Palestinian people and a defeat for the Israeli occupation.
Yasmin Abu Amshah, a mother of three, expressed her joy at reuniting with her younger sister and returning to her damaged home in Gaza City. The return marks a significant moment for many who had fled to southern Gaza during the conflict.
Israel had delayed the opening of the crossing until the release of a female civilian hostage, Arbel Yehoud, who was part of the agreement. Qatar, a key mediator, announced the release of Yehoud and two other hostages, facilitating the process.
As part of the truce's first phase, Hamas is set to release a total of 33 hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. The organization has already released seven hostages in exchange for over 300 prisoners, with more releases expected in the coming weeks.
