Tens Of Thousands Of Palestinians Return From Refugees In Southern Gaza After Israel's Ceasefire - Hamas

Illustration - Palestinians in Gaza who fled during the war between the Israeli army and the Hamas militia. (Anadolu Ajansi)

JAKARTA - Tens of thousands of Palestinians departed for territory vacated by Israeli forces after the ceasefire took effect on Friday, according to an Anadolu correspondent.

The displaced residents departed from southern Gaza to their homes in the north, mostly on foot.

Some people travel for hours using several vehicles that are still operating amid fuel shortages, while others use carts that are pulled by animals, bicycles and motorbikes.

Simultaneously, thousands of people returned to their homes in the central Gaza Strip and parts of the eastern part of Khan Younis in the south via Al-Roshid Street on the west coast and Salah al-Din Street in the east.

Hundreds of displaced civilians had to set up tents on the rubble of their homes after returning.

The gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops to the yellow line was completed on Friday in accordance with US President Donald Trump's plans.

Military forces have been withdrawn from the northern Gaza city, except for Shejaiya settlements and parts of the settlements of Al-Tuffah and Zeitoun; as well as the central and eastern parts of Khan Younis in the south. Palestinians are prohibited from entering Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahia in northern Gaza.

Gaza's Government Media Office said on Saturday that more than 5,000 missions, including humanitarian operations, health, rescue, and aid, had been carried out in the past 24 hours across Gaza's governorship.

Trump on Wednesday announced that Israel and Hamas agreed to the implementation of the first phase of the 20-point plan he designed on September 29, which includes a ceasefire in Gaza, a prisoner swap, and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops.

The second phase of the plan calls for the formation of a new government mechanism in Gaza without Hamas participation, the formation of security forces consisting of Palestinians and troops from Arab and Islamic countries, as well as the dismantling of Hamas weapons.

Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have killed nearly 67,200 Palestinians in the enclave, mostly women and children, and left them uninhabitable.