At the break of dawn on Monday, Jan. 27, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians began returning to northern war-ravaged Gaza after forces opened military checkpoints that divided the territory. Many emotionally charged Palestinians walked along the Mediterranean coast of what remains of Gaza City, only to find their homes lying in ruins. According to UN databases, more than 80,000 buildings in the area have been damaged or destroyed during the war. Between the United Nations and Hamas authorities, around 200,000 to 300,000 displaced Palestinians were seen crossing the northern territory and making their way south.

While this humanitarian crisis was unfolding, a political controversy emerged, raising questions and concerns of displacement. United States President Donald Trump has spoken and proposed that Palestinians must be displaced from the Gaza Strip and moved to Egypt and Jordan in what he calls a “clean out” of the area. He urged leaders of Jordan and Egypt to take in Palestinian citizens from Gaza, temporarily or permanently. Palestinians have condemned this proposal, with many arguing that forcibly moving residents from their land is unacceptable, and raises serious concerns. Many locals stressed to Al Jazeera reporters that this idea is not an option, emphasizing that if leaving was something they wanted, they would have done it long before. Palestinians expressed determination to remain in their homeland, with many asserting that any forced relocation would only heighten further historical grievances and destabilize the region more. But what does this mean for Palestinians living in the West Bank moving forward? The recent developments in Gaza can carry significant implications for the Palestinian people, with many fearing the expected normalization of policies aimed at forced displacement, eventually spreading to other territories. Looking ahead, the region will continue to face an uncertain future: While the reopening of checkpoints and the return of Gaza residents to their land may offer a period of recess, these events might emphasize further the problematic nature of Palestinian life undergoing military pressure.

The ongoing devastating military campaigns and political rhetoric like Trump’s “clean-out Gaza” suggest a future where displacement is a real increasing concern voiced by many local and international observers. The lives of Palestinians remain at risk of further destabilization, with the potential for a normalized renewed cycle of violence.

Chadi Saadoun is a Contributing Writer. Email them at feedback@thegazelle.org.