As thousands of displaced Palestinians return to northern Gaza after a ceasefire, the initial relief of homecoming is replaced by the harsh reality of destruction. Homes are reduced to rubble, basic necessities are scarce, and families are forced to live in makeshift tents in the bitter winter cold.
Many residents face dire shortages of water, food, and electricity, queuing for hours just to collect drinking water. At night, entire neighborhoods remain engulfed in darkness due to a lack of fuel for generators. “There is nothing, no life, no water, no food, no drink—nothing for living,” said Hisham El-Err, who returned to find his home in the Jabalia refugee camp completely demolished. Like thousands of others, his family now huddles in tents that offer little protection from the cold.
By late Tuesday, Hamas authorities reported that most of the 650,000 people displaced from northern Gaza had returned. Many walked for miles carrying their remaining possessions, only to find uninhabitable ruins. Some, like Fahad Abu Jalhoum, attempted to resettle but were forced to flee again due to the lack of basic living conditions. “We all missed the north, but when I went there, I was shocked,” he said. “It’s just ghosts without souls.”
Aid Shortages and Disputes
While aid deliveries were part of the ceasefire agreement, Hamas officials claim that the amount of fuel, cooking gas, and tents arriving in Gaza is significantly lower than agreed upon. The Hamas-run Gaza government estimated the need for 135,000 tents, but so far, only around 2,000 have been distributed. They also expressed frustration over the slow rehabilitation of hospitals and bakeries.
Israel, however, denies these claims. A spokesperson for COGAT, the Israeli defense agency, stated that “tens of thousands of tents” have been delivered, along with regular supplies of fuel and gas. The ongoing dispute over aid distribution raises concerns that dissatisfaction among militant factions could threaten the fragile ceasefire.
Hostage Exchange and the Future of the Ceasefire
Under the ceasefire deal, 33 hostages held in Gaza are to be freed in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. So far, seven hostages and 290 prisoners have been exchanged. On Thursday, three more hostages—two women and a man—are expected to be released, along with five Thai hostages, according to reports.
The next phase of the deal, scheduled to begin by February 4, could lead to the release of more than 60 additional hostages, including military-aged men, and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. If successful, this phase could pave the way for a permanent end to the war and discussions on Gaza’s reconstruction, a monumental task given the widespread destruction.
Searching for the Missing Amidst the Ruins
For many, returning to Gaza is not just about rebuilding but also recovering their lost loved ones. Khamis Amara has returned to Jabalia not to live, but to search for the bodies of his father and brother, who remain buried under the rubble. “I was once under the rubble with my father and brother, just as they still are. But I made it out,” he said.
With an estimated 10,000 people still missing in Gaza, rescue efforts remain slow. Meanwhile, despair is growing among those who have nothing left. “Life here is unbearable. Honestly, it’s all a lie,” said Amara. “Those in the south should just stay there—it’s better for them.”
As the ceasefire holds for now, the people of Gaza are left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives, wondering if relief will come before another round of devastation.
