Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians head to northern Gaza
Even before the sun heralded a frigid dawn, a huge and restless crowd set off north along Gaza's coastal road.
Even before the sun heralded a frigid dawn, a huge and restless crowd set off north along Gaza's coastal road. They were young and old. Many carried large white plastic bags and suitcases, others small children. Some hopped slowly on crutches and others wore flip-flops, while a few even walked barefoot. One pair of young men linked arms as they strode and sang.
As dawn broke in Gaza on Monday, footage and photos captured by NBC News’ crew showed tens of thousands of Palestinians heading toward a checkpoint on the Netzarim corridor, which bisects the enclave, and into the heavily bombed north. The path is named for a former Israeli settlement, and is considered vital by the Israeli military hoping to keep militants from traveling across Gaza.
For many, the journey home after 15 months of Israeli bombardment brought tears as they held onto their loved ones and clutched their belongings tightly.
Civilians carry their belongings along the Al-Rashid coastline as they return toward northern Gaza on Monday.NBC NewsOthers traveled in cars, trucks and rickshaws lined up along the highway, carrying tents and mattresses after seeking shelter in the central and southern parts of the enclave.
Under the terms of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, residents of northern Gaza were slated to return over the weekend before Israel closed the crossings after it said Hamas had breached the deal by failing to release Arbel Yehud, a 29-year-old Israeli civilian hostage.
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