Tens of thousands of Palestinians displaced by ongoing conflict are returning to northern Gaza as Israeli forces halt operations under the first phase of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas and begin a partial withdrawal. Al-Rashid Street, a significant thoroughfare that has seen extensive population movement due to Israeli attacks, is now witnessing a resurgence of families traveling north, hoping to resettle permanently. Al Jazeera correspondent Hani Mahmoud reports that the central Gaza coastal highway, crucial for these returnees, has been severely damaged, making travel challenging for those bringing their belongings. Families are seen walking toward Gaza City, carrying furniture and makeshift tents to establish temporary shelters over the ruins of their homes. Despite this historical return, many are faced with overwhelming destruction, as most buildings in Gaza City remain in ruins following extensive bombardment. The humanitarian crisis is dire, with an urgent need for temporary shelters and mobile housing units for those returning. Since October 2023, the conflict has resulted in at least 67,211 fatalities and 169,961 injuries in Gaza, while southern Israel has seen the deaths of 1,139 individuals during initial attacks and around 200 captives taken.
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