(CLO) People in the northern Gaza Strip are urgently setting up temporary camps to welcome hundreds of thousands of families who are expected to return home next Saturday, according to the ceasefire agreement just signed between Israel and Hamas.
In the open spaces, surrounded by ruined buildings, a group of men have begun setting up a series of white tents to welcome people returning from southern Gaza. The deal was to coincide with the release of a second group of hostages by Hamas in exchange for dozens of Palestinian prisoners being held in Israel.
Palestinians salvage what they can from the rubble in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. Photo: GI/Fatima Shbair
Many of those returning will find only rubble instead of homes, after 15 months of Israeli military operations that have killed more than 47,000 Palestinians and destroyed much of the territory's infrastructure.
In October 2023, Israel launched a large-scale operation in northern Gaza, especially in the Jabalia refugee camp and the towns of Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee. Much of these areas were leveled.
Wael Jundiya, a resident who was preparing a tent to welcome his children from the southern Mawasi area, shared his worries: "Is this the life we dreamed of? This tent has to hold 10 people. How is there enough space?"
"On Saturday, people will flood into Gaza City, but where will they stay? This camp can only hold 100-200 people, while there are 1.5 million people who want to return," he said.
Hamas said the repatriation would take place after Saturday's hostage swap was completed and Israeli troops withdrew from the coastal road leading north. Those returning would only be allowed to walk along the coastal road, after which they could seek transportation but would have to pass through heavy checkpoints. Hamas also warned people not to carry weapons.
Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, said the organization was coordinating with regional and international mediators to support the repatriation, including providing tents and necessary supplies.
"We will use all resources to help people. Municipalities have planned to set up temporary camps to receive returnees," said Mr. Zuhri.
In the Jabalia refugee camp, which has been the focus of Israel's military campaign for the past three months, some families have returned to their destroyed homes, trying to light fires to keep their children warm.
Mohammed Badr, a father of 10, lamented the shortages: "They talk about a ceasefire and aid, but we have been back here for three days without drinking water, without warm blankets. We can only light fires all night to keep warm, but there is no wood, only burning resin that makes us sick."
His wife, Umm Nidal, spoke emotionally about the terrible devastation: "Everything is gone, you can't recognize your home. The houses are collapsed on top of each other, and everywhere there is the smell of unburied corpses."
While the ceasefire brings hope, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are facing a heartbreaking reality – their homeland is now in ruins, and life ahead remains a difficult journey filled with countless hardships.
Cao Phong (according to AJ, CNA)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/mien-bac-gaza-dung-trai-tam-tru-cho-nguoi-dan-tro-ve-sau-lenh-ngung-ban-post331800.html
Comment (0)