Tens of thousands of Palestinians remain stranded, unable to return to their homes in northern Gaza, as frustration mounts amid accusations from Israel that Hamas has breached a ceasefire agreement. Following a second exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, the current situation underscores the fragile nature of the truce between the enduring adversaries.

Witnesses report that long columns of people wait along the main roads, both on foot and in vehicles, eager to return to Gaza City and surrounding areas. "A sea of people is waiting for a signal to move back to Gaza," said Tamer Al-Burai, a displaced person from Gaza City. Many convey uncertainty about whether their homes still stand but express a strong desire to return and “put up tents next to the rubble” of what was once theirs.

Reports indicate that many have slept overnight along the Salahuddin Road and the coastal route, which runs north-south, all while waiting for the Israeli military to open checkpoints in the Netzarim corridor. Overloaded vehicles and makeshift transport carry essential supplies, including mattresses, food, and camping gear, as volunteers provide additional relief.

Under an agreement facilitated by Egyptian and Qatari mediation, supported by the United States, Palestinians displaced from their northern homes were expected to be allowed to return. However, Israel attributed the delay to Hamas' alleged failure to provide crucial information regarding hostages, including a specific list of individuals to be released, which included Arbel Yehud, an Israeli woman taken hostage in early October. Subsequently, Israel announced that checkpoints would not be opened until the matters were resolved, which Hamas has disputed, blaming Israel for the ongoing standoff.

Meanwhile, in a controversial move, U.S. President Donald Trump recently instructed the military to release powerful bombs that his predecessor, Joe Biden, had previously withheld, citing humanitarian concerns. Trump has also called on Egypt and Jordan to accept more Palestinians from Gaza, suggesting a radical shift in approach. "We should just clear out the whole thing," he proclaimed, describing Gaza as "literally a demolition site."

The response from Hamas reflects deep-seated fears of forced displacement, with officials vehemently rejecting potential solutions that they perceive as a means to displace Palestinians permanently. Basem Naim, a member of Hamas's political bureau, asserted, "Palestinians will not accept any offers or solutions, even if (such offers) appear to have good intentions." This sentiment resonates among many Palestinians, as expressed by Magdy Seidam: "If he thinks he will forcibly displace the Palestinian people then this is impossible... No matter how much Israel tries to destroy, break, and show it has won, in reality, it did not win."

Al-Awda Hospital has reported casualties, with four individuals wounded by Israeli fire while soldiers attempted to control crowds approaching military positions. The Israeli military has warned against approaching its defenses, having previously issued warning shots, but claims no harm has resulted from their actions thus far.

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