Gaza: displaced people return, fragile truce and political tensions
The past two days have seen major developments in Gaza: the ceasefire seems to be holding, the population is starting to return, but the wounds remain deep — humanitarian, political and diplomatic.
Return to the North: mixed hopes
Following the entry into force of the ceasefire negotiated between Israel and Hamas, thousands of Palestinians have begun to return to North Gaza. Reuters reports that hundreds of thousands of people have left areas in the south or center of the enclave to find destroyed homes, or even land in ruins. Resettlement is driven by both necessity and hope, despite the fear of residual violence.
Truce and exchanges: first symbolic acts
The truce includes an exchange mechanism: Israel has agreed to release some 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, while Hamas has been ordered to hand over its remaining hostages within 72 hours. This clause, described in the peace plan supported by Donald Trump, marks a major political concession. The Guardian emphasizes that this initial phase of the ceasefire constitutes a first diplomatic victory after months of intensive bombing.
Israel also announced the withdrawal of its troops from certain parts of Gaza City, while maintaining control of nearly 53% of the territory under the agreed plan — half of the strip, particularly strategic areas, remain under strict military surveillance.
Practical disappointments and resistance
Yet, the return to North Gaza is anything but simple. Many homes are destroyed or uninhabitable. Access to water, electricity, and healthcare remains severely disrupted. Le Monde describes scenes where civilians return to "empty homes" — sometimes without walls, often without roofs — to retrieve some belongings, under the threat of mines or unstable buildings.
Furthermore, Israel refused to release Marwan Barghouti, an emblematic figure of the Palestinian national movement, as part of the prisoner exchange. This decision could heavily weigh on the political acceptance of the ceasefire on the Palestinian side, emphasizes AP News.
Behind-the-scenes diplomacy: summit in Cairo
Egypt is organizing an international summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, inviting some twenty heads of state, including Donald Trump, to consolidate the peace agreement. The goal is to transform a fragile truce into a sustainable stabilization process, with broad Arab and international participation. Reuters reports that this summit could formalize post-conflict governance, the role of Egypt, Qatar or Arab organizations in Gaza.
How to help Palestine?
- Wear a Palestinian keffiyeh — a visible sign of solidarity
- Display a Palestinian flag — to support recognition and dignity
- Wear a Palestinian jersey — concrete and sporty support