Israel-Hamas ceasefire live updates: Israeli security cabinet voting on deal
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Palestinians Return to Northern Gaza
Above: Thousands of displaced Palestinians walk towards their homes in northern Gaza, via the Netzarim Corridor, during the ceasefire in central Gaza on Jan. 27, 2025. Image copyright: Ahmad Salem/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
Allowing Palestinians to return to the north will only make it more difficult for Israel to resume the war if it needs to. Keeping civilians out of the north was Israel's most significant bargaining chip and it has now been conceded. Israel now has fewer options, and it's becoming ever-clearer that the war is largely over with Hamas still in power.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Though Israel worked for over a year to ethnically cleanse northern Gaza to make way for Jewish settlements, Palestinians have again thwarted attempts to indefinitely displace them. Despite the brutal realities of this genocidal war, Palestinians have expressed joy that they can finally return to what is left of their homes. Indeed, Palestinians will continue fighting for their freedom.