Thousands of Palestinians return to ‘demolition site’ Gaza amid tense peace after Trump’s shock plan to ‘clean out’ area
Thousands of Palestinians return to ‘demolition site’ Gaza amid tense peace after Trump’s shock plan to ‘clean out’ area
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THOUSANDS of Palestinians are returning to some of the most heavily destroyed parts of Gaza amid Israel's fragile ceasefire with Hamas. It comes after Israel lifted its closure of the north for the first time since the early weeks of the 15-month war. Huge crowds of people have been pictured walking with their belongings in hand along a main road that runs along the coast in scenes reminiscent of the mass exodus more than a year ago.
![[Large group of Palestinians returning to their homes in northern Gaza after being displaced.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/palestinians-displaced-south-israels-order-967092221_e23221.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Yasmin Abu Amshah said she walked 6km to reach her home in Gaza City, where she found it badly damaged but still habitable. The mum-of-three said: "It was a long trip, but a happy one. The most important thing is that we returned.". Tens of thousands of Palestinians fled their homes in the north after Israel unleashed its retaliation for the October 7 atrocity.
![[Displaced Palestinians returning home, carrying belongings.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/displaced-palestinians-return-homes-northern-967094354.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
They have been sheltering in squalid tent camps and schools-turned-shelters for more than a year. Thousands are now taking the long coastal route on foot after Israel opened routes through the Netzarim Corridor, eager to return to their homes. Many have likely been damaged or destroyed, however.
![[Displaced Palestinians returning home carrying belongings.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/displaced-palestinians-return-homes-northern-967094397.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Others in cars have been directed to use Salah al-Din Street - but all flooding back in have been warned to avoid all areas where forces are deployed. Many feared their exodus from Gaza would be permanent - fuelled by Donald Trump's idea to resettle huge numbers of Palestinians in Egypt or Jordan.
![[Illustration of Gaza Strip map showing Palestinians' return route to northern Gaza.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GM_27-01_GAZA-MAP-1.jpg?strip=all&w=699)
