Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians began their journey back to northern Gaza on Monday, 27 January 2025, after enduring over 15 months of forced displacement. This follows a last-minute agreement between Israel and Palestinian resistance groups to extend a fragile ceasefire.

Scenes of resilience and determination filled Gaza’s streets as families, carrying whatever belongings they could salvage, made their way through the Netzarim corridor. Entire communities, uprooted by the relentless war, were returning to find their homes—if they still stood—amid the rubble of the devastated territory.

The return of these displaced families is seen as a testament to the Palestinian people's steadfastness in the face of continued attempts at forced displacement. “We have been through unimaginable hardship, but today is a victory for our people,” said Ibrahim Abu Hassera, a returnee who knelt to kiss the ground upon reaching his hometown.

The truce, which began days ago, came close to collapsing over disputes regarding the release of hostages and prisoners. However, an agreement was reached to facilitate the gradual liberation of prisoners and hostages on both sides. As part of the first phase, displaced Palestinians are now allowed to pass through the corridor, a lifeline in a divided and blockaded Gaza.

While this marks a significant step, many of the returnees are heading back to homes destroyed by the war, uncertain of what awaits them. Yet, their return is a defiance of calls from certain Israeli officials and international figures advocating for the relocation of Gaza’s population to neighbouring countries—plans Palestinians equate with ethnic cleansing.

As chants of "We will never leave Palestine" echo across Gaza, the message is clear: Palestinians remain resolute in their commitment to their homeland, rejecting all attempts to uproot them permanently. For many, this return signifies more than just going home; it is a profound statement of resistance and hope for justice amidst ongoing suffering.