ALBAWABA- The return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza under the ceasefire deal has sparked mixed reactions across Israeli media and political circles.
Former National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir described the scenes as “a humiliating defeat” and claimed they symbolized “a victory for Hamas.”
He called the agreement that allowed the return “illegal capitulation,” urging the Israeli government to resume military operations.
Meanwhile, Israeli newspaper Haaretz critiqued the government's narrative of a “complete victory” over Hamas, arguing that the reality on the ground reveals the complexities and challenges Israel continues to face.
In contrast, Hamas hailed the return as a triumph for the Palestinian people, declaring it a testament to their resilience and a failure of Israeli attempts to forcibly displace them.
Notably, Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians have begun returning to northern Gaza today as part of a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. Since early morning, streams of people have been seen traveling on foot along Al-Rasheed main road, while security personnel organized the process.
Many expressed joy at returning after 15 months of displacement, marked by destruction, killing, and atrocities in the besieged Gaza Strip since October 2023.
Israel opened a corridor into northern Gaza on Monday, 48 hours later than initially planned, citing Hamas’s breach of the ceasefire agreement.
According to Israeli officials, Hamas delayed the release of Arbel Yehud, a civilian hostage, which was expected during the second round of releases on Saturday.
Hamas ultimately freed Yehud and other hostages on Thursday and Saturday, allowing the corridor to open.
The scene on Monday resembled a massive, slow-moving wave of displaced individuals, including children, the elderly, and the injured, making their way back home.
Most carried whatever belongings they could salvage, walking through the rubble of what was once their neighborhoods. Many had been exiled in makeshift camps for months, longing for this moment of return.
One woman shared her emotional story with CNN, saying her young son would see their home in Gaza City for the first time. “He was born in Khan Younis.
It’s an indescribable feeling to go back to Gaza City. It used to take us 10 minutes to get there, but now it has taken a year and a half. I will kiss the walls and the ground when I arrive,” she said.
