Gazans Return to Ruined Homes as Fighting Pauses
Thousands of displaced Gazans are returning home during a temporary pause in fighting. Many find their neighborhoods completely destroyed but express determination to reclaim their land. The ceasefire marks the first break in conflict since March.
Thousands of displaced Palestinians are returning to Gaza neighborhoods after fighting paused for the first time since March. Israeli soldiers withdrew to an agreed line, allowing civilians to travel back.
Crowds of people walked through streets filled with debris. Some cheered and whistled as they moved toward their destroyed homes.
Ameer Abu Iyadeh, 32, described mixed emotions about returning. "We are happy," he said in Khan Yunis. "Even though we return to ruins without life, it is at least our land."
He carried a pink backpack and a water container while holding his daughter's hand. Two other daughters walked beside them through southern Gaza.
The temporary ceasefire offers a brief respite for civilians who fled months of conflict. Many now face the reality of rebuilding from nothing.
This return movement highlights both relief and devastation. People reclaim their homeland even as they confront total destruction of their communities.