Gazans’ Return to North Stalled as Israel Accuses Hamas of Truce Violation 

Israel has accused Hamas of breaching the truce agreement, putting Gazans’ return to northern areas on hold as tensions in the region continue to rise.

Thousands of displaced Palestinians are still being barred from returning to their homes in northern Gaza due to Israel’s accusation that Hamas violated the terms of a ceasefire agreement.

On Saturday, Hamas released four Israeli female soldiers who had been held hostage since October 7, 2023, in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners.

However, a dispute arose when Israeli civilian Arbel Yehud was excluded from the swap, despite Hamas being set to release additional non-military hostages.

Hamas maintained that Ms. Yehud is alive and will be released next week, prompting Israel to postpone the planned withdrawal of certain troops from Gaza—a move that would have enabled Palestinians to return to their homes in the north.

On Saturday evening, chaos erupted when Palestinians who had anticipated walking north after the hostage release discovered that Israeli tanks were still blocking the road.

As crowds assembled along al-Rashid Road in central Gaza to head home, reports emerged of gunshots being fired.

In a video shared online, which has been verified by BBC Verify as having been filmed on that road, people are seen panicking and the sound of four gunshots can be heard.

In another incident, Reuters news agency and Palestinian media, referencing the health ministry operated by Hamas, reported that one person was killed and several others were injured.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that troops in central Gaza had opened fire after identifying several groups consisting of dozens of individuals who posed a threat to the forces.

A statement further elaborated: “Despite recent reports, the shooting in the area was solely intended for distancing purposes and not to cause harm. We stress that at this point, no injuries to the suspects have been reported as a result of the shooting.”

Earlier on Saturday, Muhammad Emad Al-Din was among the thousands waiting to return to their homes in northern Gaza.

“I’m aware my house might be destroyed, but I’ll set up a tent over what’s left. I just want to return,” he expressed to the BBC during a phone call.

I need to regain control of my work. As a barber in Gaza, I’ve been struggling to find ways to repair the damage done to my salon and get my business up and running again. I am deeply in debt, owing so much money that even buying basic necessities for my children is beyond reach,” he explained.

All I hope for is an end to the conflict between Hamas and Israel, so we can return to our homes in the north. It’s been over 15 months since we’ve seen our loved ones.

According to the ceasefire agreement, Palestinians were supposed to be permitted to travel north of the Netzarim Corridor— a 7-kilometer (4.3-mile) strip managed by Israel that separates northern Gaza from the rest of the territory.

Lubna Nassar, accompanied by her two daughters and son on a donkey cart, hoped to return home and reunite with her husband Sultan, whom she hadn’t seen in 11 months.

On Saturday afternoon, she expressed her intentions: “I’m committed to staying here as near as I can to the Israeli checkpoint. My daughters have been eagerly awaiting the chance to see their father for months. I intend to be among the first people returning to Gaza.”

Mediators from Qatar and Egypt, who have been facilitating discussions between Israel and Hamas, have made progress in their efforts to enable hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return to the north.

Israel requested mediators to obtain proof from Hamas confirming that Ms. Yehud is alive, and it seems this evidence had been provided to the Egyptians by Saturday evening, according to BBC reports.

In the meantime, numerous Gazans were anxiously hoping for any progress that might enable their return.

For many, the hope of returning surpasses the reality that lies ahead: ruins and destruction.

However, the dream of regaining their lives, reconstructing their homes, and reuniting with their families is keeping them hopeful.

BBC