Palestinian factions declare the return to northern Gaza as a significant “defeat of the occupation”
Palestinian resistance groups have praised Gaza's accomplishments as thousands of individuals make their way northward on foot, defying significant challenges.
In a significant movement of people, thousands of Palestinians have commenced their return to Gaza City and the northern regions of the Gaza Strip, utilizing the Netzarim crossing located in the central district.
On Monday at precisely 9:00 am, Palestinians who were previously displaced will be permitted to return to the northern region using vehicles. These vehicles will undergo inspections as they travel along Salah al-Din Street.
Thousands of individuals endured two consecutive nights in the open on al-Rashid and Salah al-Din streets, braving freezing temperatures as they awaited permission from Israeli occupation forces to return to their homes following months of displacement to the south.
A significant number of the displaced individuals intend to embark on a seven-kilometer journey on foot along al-Rashid Street. This coastal road extends from the northern to the southern regions of the Gaza Strip and has been the site of numerous atrocities committed by occupation forces against civilians attempting to flee from the northern areas.
A landmark agreement has been finalized between Palestinian factions and Israeli authorities, allowing Palestinians to return to their homes in the northern Gaza Strip starting Monday. This development follows an accord reached with the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, which includes the release of three Israeli captives by January 31, 2025.
A recent agreement for a special exchange was reached following the Israeli regime’s breach of the ceasefire terms by obstructing Palestinians traveling from the southern regions to their residences in the northern Gaza Strip. The Israeli authorities have indicated that they will maintain this blockade until the release of Israeli captive Arbel Yehud.
Negotiators have brokered a deal that will result in the release of Yehud and two other unidentified captives ahead of this Friday. In return, a significantly larger group of Palestinian prisoners will be freed, and, crucially, residents will be allowed to return to the northern Gaza Strip on Monday.
The spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that according to the agreement, Palestinians will be permitted to return to the northern district on foot using the Netzarim crossing and the coastal al-Rashid street. This movement is scheduled to commence at 7:00 a.m. on Monday.
According to reports from Israeli media outlets, military forces have been deployed to the Netzarim Axis following withdrawals from other regions.
Hamas has celebrated the reinstatement of Palestinian residents to their neighborhoods and homes, describing it as a triumph for the populace and a repudiation of the occupation and its displacement strategies.
In a recent statement, the Resistance highlighted the powerful imagery of Palestinian citizens returning to their native cities, despite the devastation of their homes. This return, amid adversity, signifies their enduring resilience and profound bond with their homeland, illustrating the magnitude of their heritage and determination in the face of significant hardship.
Hamas emphasized that the scenes, brimming with the jubilation of homecoming and deep-rooted connection to the land, serve as a testament against those attempting to undermine the resolve of the Palestinian people by displacing them. The organization expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine during this pivotal time and urged for the escalation of aid and relief efforts to cover the entire Gaza Strip.
The Islamic Jihad Movement has characterized the return as “legendary,” viewing it as a powerful rebuttal to any aspirations of displacing Palestinians. This statement comes in light of the controversy surrounding the Arbel Yehud affair, which the group claims was designed to undermine the spirits of the Gaza population.
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) has asserted that the resilience of their people will ultimately thwart any attempts by Zionist forces to dampen their spirits and will succeed in overcoming the constraints imposed by incarceration and occupation.
The National Gathering of Palestinian Tribes, Clans, and Families has highlighted what it describes as the “legendary and historic” return of Gaza residents to the northern regions from the central and southern areas of the Strip. This movement follows significant Israeli impediments and delays, which the Gathering claims were efforts to deny the people the “joy of the holy return” and to assert Israeli dominance.
