On January 27, 2025, tens of thousands of Palestinians returned to northern Gaza their first movement home in over a year, under a fragile ceasefire. However, they face monumental health challenges, with hospitals largely destroyed and clean water scarce. Local health officials report over 47,000 people killed and 90% of the population displaced. Aid groups are rushing to provide food and care amid environmental hazards including unexploded ordnance and contaminated debris. Concurrently, Israel confirmed eight hostages expected for release are dead, complicating ongoing negotiations and shaping the future of peace as nearly 650,000 remain displaced.