More than 376,000 Palestinians displaced by the prolonged war between Israel and Hamas have returned to northern Gaza, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Tuesday.

In a humanitarian update, OCHA stated: “Over 376,000 people are estimated to have returned to their places of origin in northern Gaza, following the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the two main roads along the Netzarim corridor,” which serves as a critical route into the north.

Many displaced Palestinians expressed mixed emotions about returning to their homes, many of which have been heavily damaged or destroyed during the 15-month conflict.

“This is our homeland, and we have to go back,” said Ola Saleh, one of the returning displaced residents. However, the joy of returning was overshadowed by grief for the friends and relatives lost during the conflict.

The ceasefire agreement, which facilitated the return of displaced individuals, aims to bring an end to the hostilities while focusing on the release of dozens of hostages and hundreds of Palestinians detained or imprisoned by Israel.

Despite the ceasefire, the devastation left by the war underscores the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts in northern Gaza. The situation remains fragile as displaced families attempt to rebuild their lives amid the rubble of their homes. (ILKHA)