Thousands of Palestinians Return to Gaza as ‘Rocky’ Ceasefire Agreements Continue

What Happened?

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have returned to Gaza’s most heavily destroyed area Monday after Israel opened the Netzarim corridor.

The move comes after the U.S. and Qatar helped preserve two ceasefire agreements involving militant groups Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon that both risked collapse.

In a statement, The White House said, ‘The arrangement between Lebanon and Israel, monitored by the United States, will continue to be in effect until February 18, 2025.’

Israeli forces had fired on protesters in Lebanon who sought to return to villages in the south of the country, according to NPR.

The Israeli military had also blocked the return of Palestinian residents to the north of Gaza amid a dispute over Hamas' return of a specific hostage.

Israel personnel was supposed to have evacuated by Sunday, however.

According to reports, Israel was informed by Hamas that eight of the hostages set to be freed during the deal's first phase are dead.

Why it Matters

Agreements have appeared rocky heading into a second week.

Israel’s government announced the approval of its ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza after a cabinet meeting that consisted of the full 33-member group.

Hamas and its affiliates agreed to release 33 Israeli hostages as part of a six-week initial ceasefire on the path to ending the 15-month war.

The second phase of the deal would be intended to end the war on the 16th day of implementation.

But Israel reportedly launched a major military operation last week that killed at least nine Palestinians and left at least 40 wounded in the occupied West Bank.

The Palestinian Authority had announced they were willing to work to facilitate the return of roughly 2 million displaced residents and help them return home.

Officials reportedly estimate upward of $300 million will be needed to sustain Gaza's most urgent needs in the next six months.

President Donald Trump is now tasked with handling a detailed 'Day After' plan for when the Israeli military forces withdraw from Gaza.

How it Affects You

Over 47,000 Palestinians have been killed as a result of the war, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Many families still await confirmation if their family members are alive who have been taken hostage.

President Trump has reportedly drawn criticism over proposals to ‘clean out’ the Gaza Strip by moving more than a million Palestinians to neighboring countries like Jordan and Egypt.

World leaders await a full resolution between Israel and Hamas that may set the tone for other conflicts ending like the Russia-Ukraine war.