Hamas’s statement on Monday night did not say whether the refugees returning to the northern Gaza Strip had actually settled down or were still on the move.

Returnees may face numerous challenges, including losing their homes and belongings after more than a year of continuous attacks by the Israeli army, making them to continue moving to find a suitable settlement.

Residents of the northern Gaza Strip were allowed to return home from Monday, more than a week after the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas took effect.