Displaced Palestinians in southern and central Gaza faced a surprise on Saturday when Israel would allow them to return to their homes in the northern part of the territory, as Israel and Hamas pressed for implementation of a cease-fire agreement. was
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said Israel will freeze movement north of Gaza until plans are finalized for the release of Erbil Yehud, one of the last civilian women imprisoned in Gaza.
Israeli officials said Ms Yehud would be released on Saturday under the deal. They said they believed it was not held by Hamas, suggesting the holdup was not entirely Hamas’ responsibility.
Hamas hesitates to implement a cease-fire agreement with Israel. The conflict was the most significant between the two sides since a ceasefire was implemented a week ago.
The hold-up left many Palestinians in a state of anxious waiting, as they were already packing their belongings, including kitchen supplies, clothing and mattress pads.
Millions of Palestinians are waiting to return to their homes in northern Gaza – many of which were destroyed in Israel’s bombing campaign – after long months of enduring miserable conditions in makeshift shelters, schools and the homes of friends and relatives. .
As of Saturday evening, neither Hamas nor the Israeli prime minister’s office had publicly announced plans to release Ms. Yehud.
It was not clear what would be required for Israel to consider arranging Ms. Yehud’s release, but Hamas has confirmed in the past which hostages it has sent to Israel through mediators. will be freed.
The cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas states that Israeli forces must withdraw to the east on the seventh day of the agreement, after which displaced Palestinians can begin to return to their homes. Although Saturday was the seventh day of the agreement, the Hamas-run government media office said earlier this week that people would be allowed to return on Sunday.
The Israeli army’s Arabic spokesman, Avichai Ederri, posted on social media on Saturday that access to the corridor linking central Gaza with the north was still prohibited, without specifying when that would change. .
Palestinians in Gaza expressed panic as they waited for a resolution.
“Everybody is worried and cautious,” said Ibrahim Abdul Waheed, 40, a homeless man in the central city of Ust al-Bala. He said he was hopeful that Israel and Hamas would resolve the issue.
Others said their excitement about returning home was mixed with fear about the devastation after 15 months of Israeli bombing.
“My husband and I look forward to that day with great anticipation, but I cannot help dreading the great disaster I shall see on the way back.” In central Gaza
