Israel began its military campaign in Gaza in October 2023. The assault, with the declared goal of destroying Hamas, leveled swathes of the enclave driving nearly all its inhabitants from their homes and killing more than 48,000 Palestinians, over half of them women and children, according to Palestinian health authorities.

Early in the campaign, Israel ordered civilians to leave the north. Most did so. Those who left were barred from returning until last month's deal for a cease-fire and hostage release.