This footage was filmed and produced 15 April 2024.

Storyline:
Throngs of displaced Gaza residents trying to get back to their homes in the devastated northern area have been driven back by the Israeli military with firing and warnings.

They made the journey after hearing unconfirmed news that women and children were allowed to return to the north as most Israeli ground troops withdrew from there. They hoped to cross a military checkpoint on al-Rashid road south of Gaza City, but were stopped from approaching by the Israeli army who fired smoke grenades and gunshots, according to China Media Group correspondent Osama Asama Ashi.

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were driven from the north after Israeli forces first launched their offensive there soon after Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. In the months of fighting since, vast parts of the north have been flattened, including much of Gaza City.

The Israeli army issued a statement on Monday, saying that northern Gaza remains a dangerous war zone and warning Palestinians not to return. However, the displaced people are still trying to return to the north, and their desperate families are also waiting anxiously on the other side of the Israeli military checkpoint.

After more than six months of war, more than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in the densely populated Gaza amid Israel's constant bombing and attacks.

Shotlist:
Gaza City, Gaza Strip - April 15, 2024:
1. Various of Gaza City residents waiting anxiously, talking on phone with family;
2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Ibrahim Zahir, Gaza City resident (with reporter asking question):
(Reporter: "Where are your family members?")
"My family members are in southern Gaza. My wife told me they had reached this Israeli checkpoint before but they encountered gunfire and shelling. They are very scared now. I told them to just run back quickly if there is danger. I also told them not to come back until they get absolutely accurate information and not to put herself and children in danger.";
3. Zahir talking on phone with family.

[RESTRICTIONS: No access Chinese mainland]