Thousands of Palestinians have begun moving from southern Gaza to the north following the start of a ceasefire. Many are hopeful that the ceasefire will last long enough for them to return home. "We are very happy, we are celebrating our loved ones, we're going to see our loved ones and our neighbors," said 23-year-old Wissam Al-Durra. He was walking to his home in Tel Al-Hawa, as all the cars were broken. Al-Durra expressed his hope to find his family alive and to identify and bury the deceased. "We, of course, hope the bloodshed will stop," he added, thanking those who helped broker the ceasefire.

Since mid-August, at least 400,000 displaced Palestinians have fled south in search of safety and aid due to Israel's re-invasion of Gaza City. Majeda, a resident who has moved eight times, described her exhaustion from the ongoing displacement.

Obaida Ayoud, 73, from Al-Shati Camp, shared her grief after losing her husband and one daughter. "I am excited, but I got upset because I don't know where my girl and I will stay," she said. She explained her financial struggles, stating, "I don't have any money, not even a single penny," which is why she was walking north.

Israel's military announced that its troops withdrew to agreed positions on Friday to prepare for the release of hostages in the coming days. Izzat Al-Rishq, a member of Hamas' political bureau, described the movement of people as an act of resistance. He stated, "The insistence of the people of Gaza on their swift return to the ruins of their homes is a stark expression of their adherence to justice."

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) informed Gazans that they could move from south to north via specific routes, but warned that outer areas and the sea remain dangerous. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces would continue to operate in Gaza to pressure Hamas until it disarms. As part of the ceasefire, Hamas is expected to release all remaining hostages, both dead and alive, within three days.

Concerns are rising that once the hostages are released, there may be pressure from some Israeli government officials to resume military actions, potentially forcing Palestinians back to the south. Yehuda Cohen, whose son Nimrod is among the hostages, criticized Netanyahu's leadership. "It's not just that we won't forget it, it is not revenge — we have to make sure for the future of this country, for the future of ourselves, for the future of our region, that people like him can never have the authority to handle even a vegetable shop," Cohen said.

Cohen emphasized that his son's recovery is his primary concern, but he also expressed the need for political change in Israel. "After Nimrod comes back and we'll have time to rehabilitate him... we've got to go back to fighting," he said. He believes a lasting peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians is essential. "We must separate between Israel and Palestine, so we can live our normal lives like every other normal country and protect our democratic way of life," Cohen stated.