After a year of waiting, thousands of displaced Palestinians gathered on Saturday at Tabet Al-Nuweiri, near Al-Nuseirat refugee camp, hoping to return to their northern Gaza homes. Despite their longing, they remain stranded under dire conditions. The delay has already claimed one life and left 15 injured.

The Israeli occupation’s war on Gaza has displaced nearly two million Palestinians, with the ceasefire agreement meant to facilitate their return. Pedestrians were to use Al-Rashid Road, while vehicles would follow Salah Al-Din Road.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stalled reopening these routes, linking it to the release of captive Arbel Yehuda. Palestinian resistance blames security obstacles imposed by Israel for the delay. Hamas has condemned this action, calling it a breach of the ceasefire.

Displaced individuals, filled with hope, dismantled their temporary shelters and prepared for the journey north, only to face gunfire and closed roads. Many, like Yasmeen Anabah, recount waiting through freezing nights with shattered dreams. Umm Ahmad Al-Masri described her anguish, saying, "The deepest pain is being denied the right to return home. I dream of the day this waiting ends."