Hyderabad, Jan. 27 -- In a major development, tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians began returning to the northern Gaza Strip on Monday morning, January 27, via Rashid Coastal Street. This marks the first time they have been able to return since the war began following the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Netzarim axis in central Gaza.

The return comes on the ninth day of the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, which took effect on January 19.

Families returning to northern Gaza under the ceasefire. Photo: Reuters

Hamas called the return of displaced Palestinians "a victory," while the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) described it as "a response to all those who dream of displacing our people."

Emotional homecomin...