Ceasefire sparks cautious movement as Gazans head north
Thousands of Palestinians sheltering in southern Gaza pushed toward the north in the hours after a ceasefire began, seeking safety and a chance to reconnect with loved ones. In the sunlit streets that span from Tel Al-Hawa to the areas closer to the northern edge of the enclave, residents described a mix of relief and urgency as they navigated damaged roads and uncertain logistics.
Personal hopes amid a fragile pause
“We are very happy, we are celebrating our loved ones, we’re going to see our loved ones and our neighbours,” said Wissam Al-Durra, 23, as he walked toward the north. With cars damaged or unusable, many said they relied on foot and shared rides as they tried to locate family members and assess the status of homes in the south. The immediate aim, residents said, was to determine who remains alive, who was injured, and how best to locate people still unaccounted for in the aftermath of relentless fighting.
For some, the hope extended beyond reunion to the chance to bury the dead and to restore some form of normalcy. “Despite the siege we stood by each other and Gazans are steadfast,” Al-Durra added, reflecting a sentiment echoed by communities that have endured months of displacement and disruption.
Displacement at scale: millions displaced by conflict
Israel’s military actions have historically forced large-scale movements within Gaza. Since mid-August, with renewed hostilities and a contested ground presence, at least 400,000 Palestinians are reported to have moved south seeking safety and aid. For many, the northern journey is a difficult return toward ruined homes and scarce resources, underscoring the precariousness of any ceasefire.
Stories of loss and endurance
Obaida Ayoud, 73, from Al-Shati Camp, described the personal toll: she has lost her husband and a daughter, and now faces the challenge of finding shelter for herself and remaining relatives. “I am excited, but I am upset because our home was destroyed … I don’t know where my girl and I will stay,” she said, citing the desperate financial strain many displaced people confront—“They ask for 50 shekels, where am I going to get that?”
Among the displaced are individuals who have endured severe disruptions to everyday life, including travel, access to aid, and the ability to secure basic necessities. The ceasefire’s implementation will determine who can access aid corridors, what parts of the strip remain accessible, and how long families can wait for a stable return to the north or a safe return home.
The ceasefire framework: hostages and corridor movement
As part of the breakthrough agreement, the Israeli military reported that troops had withdrawn to agreed positions to enable the anticipated release of hostages in the coming days. A Hamas official framed the movement of people as a form of civil resistance and a reflection of Gazans’ steadfast adherence to justice, saying the population’s swift return to their homes underscored the demand for a durable resolution to the conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled that forces would remain in Gaza to pressure Hamas until it disarms, complicating hopes for a quick, lasting settlement. Officials indicated that, within the ceasefire window, Hamas is expected to release all hostages, dead and alive, within three days, raising expectations and fears among families awaiting news.
Hostage families: anxiety and political drama
One of the most vocal families awaiting news is that of Nimrod Cohen, a serving Israeli soldier believed to be among the hostages. Yehuda Cohen, Nimrod’s father, has used his voice to pressure for accountability and a political shift that could deliver long-term stability. He told the ABC that the ceasefire should not be used to avert accountability for the October 7 attacks, and argued for a future where a two-state solution could enable Israelis and Palestinians to live in security and democratic harmony.
As the ceasefire unfolds over the coming days, the focus for many remains personal and immediate: the safety of loved ones, the status of homes, and the pace at which life can resume in a region that has faced decades of conflict. The next 72 hours are pivotal, with hostages’ fates and the reliability of the ceasefire likely to shape regional politics and civilian lives for months to come.
