Thousands Trek Back to wrecked Gaza Homes

A massive migration of displaced Palestinians has begun across the Gaza Strip as US-brokered ceasefire takes effect, with Israeli forces withdrawing from key forward positions in partial pullback.Long columns of people, many on foot and carrying salvaged belongings, streaming northward along coastal and main roads toward heavily-hit areas like Gaza City and Khan Younis. This comes as Israeli military announced a cessation of fire and repositioning of troops to agreed-upon lines.

Returnees are finding widespread, catastrophic destruction, with entire districts flattened and homes reduced to rubble, underscoring the immense humanitarian crisis caused two years of conflict. Despite the ruins, many expressed sense of relief and hope to be back on their land.

The ceasefire, ratified by the Israeli government, sets clock running for a hostage-prisoner exchange within 72 hours, which will see the release of remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The truce also intended to enable a crucial surge of humanitarian aid into the besieged territory.