Israel continues to block displaced Palestinians from returning to northern Gaza, citing allegations that Hamas violated the ceasefire agreement and demanding the release of a captive who was expected to be freed during the recent prisoner exchange.
On this Sunday, Hamas issued a statement expressing concern over Israel’s prevention of displaced individuals from moving back to northern Gaza, labeling it a breach of the ceasefire terms. The group stated, “We are in communication with mediators regarding the occupation’s actions, which violate the agreement.”
Hamas further accused Israel of delaying under the pretext of the captive Arbel Yehud, asserting that guarantees had already been provided for her release. “We hold the occupation accountable for obstructing the agreement’s implementation and are actively engaging with mediators to resolve the issue and facilitate the return of displaced civilians,” the statement continued.
Israeli political sources, including reports from Israel Hayom, revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is resolute in his stance against allowing movement through the Netzarim Corridor until the matter of Yehud’s release is resolved. Yehud, an Israeli soldier, is reportedly held by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). Hebrew media claimed that PIJ leadership abroad has resisted calls to release her.
According to Israeli officials cited by the New York Times, Hamas is not solely responsible for Yehud’s release. Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinians remain stranded at the Netzarim Corridor, awaiting permission to return to northern Gaza as outlined in the ceasefire agreement. The agreement also requires Israeli forces to withdraw from Netzarim, but the withdrawal has been delayed.
Footage has shown Israeli tanks and vehicles stationed along Salah al-Din Road, further blocking displaced Palestinians from returning. In the last 24 hours, Israeli forces reportedly opened fire on residents waiting at the corridor, resulting in one death and over a dozen injuries.
On January 25, Israeli authorities released 200 Palestinian prisoners as part of the ceasefire deal. Earlier that day, Hamas freed four female Israeli soldiers under the same agreement. The Palestinian detainees included 114 individuals transferred from Ofer Prison in the West Bank to Ramallah, 16 returned to Gaza, and 70 sent into exile outside Palestine. According to WAFA news agency, the exiled prisoners will stay in Egypt for 48 hours before being sent to Tunisia, Algeria, and Turkiye, which have agreed to receive them.
