Palestinians’ withdrawal stalled as Israel accuses Hamas of violating ceasefire deal

Thousands of displaced Palestinians have been prevented from returning to their homes in the north of the Gaza Strip after Israel blocked a main road, accusing Hamas of violating the terms of the ceasefire agreement.

The dispute came as Hamas released four Israeli female soldiers – and Israel released 200 Palestinian prisoners.

But the Israeli government said Gazans would not be allowed to travel north until a plan was made for the release of Israeli citizen Arbel Yehud. Hamas has insisted that he is alive and will be released next week.

According to the agreement, Hamas had to release the civilians before the soldiers.

On Saturday evening, as crowds gathered on al-Rashid Road in central Gaza to return home, shots were reportedly fired.

Reuters news agency, citing the Hamas-run health ministry and Palestinian media, reported that one person was killed and some were injured.

Four gunshots can reportedly be heard in a video of the incident posted online. BBC Verify has verified the location of the footage, but the BBC is not able to independently verify reports of any casualties.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said troops in central Gaza opened fire after “several gatherings of dozens of suspects were identified who posed a threat to forces”.

“Contrary to reports that have emerged in recent hours, all firing in the area was aimed at creating distance and not with the aim of causing harm. We emphasize that up to this stage, there have been no injuries to the suspects Result of the shooting.”

Earlier on Saturday, Muhammad Imad al-Din was one of thousands of people waiting to return home in northern Gaza.

“I know my house could be destroyed, but I will pitch a tent over its remains. I just want to go back,” he told the BBC by phone.

“I need to get my job back. I’m a barber in Gaza, and I’m trying to figure out how to repair the damage done to my salon and restart my business. I I am indebted to a lot of people, and I can’t afford to buy even the most simple things for my children,” he said.

“I just want this conflict between Hamas and Israel to end and for us to be allowed to return to our homes in the north. We have not seen our loved ones for over 15 months.”

The Netzarim Corridor is a seven-kilometre (4.3 mi) strip of land controlled by Israel that cuts off northern Gaza from the rest of the territory.

Lubna Nassar arrived by donkey cart in the afternoon with her two daughters and son, hoping to return home and be reunited with her husband, Sultan, whom she has not seen for 11 months.

She said, “I will stay here, as close to the Israeli outpost as possible. My daughters have been waiting for the moment to meet their father for many months. I want to be one of the first to return to Gaza.”

Qatari and Egyptian mediators are making progress in their efforts to allow thousands of Palestinians to return to the north.

But Israeli tanks are still blocking the coastal road through which people were supposed to move north.

The Israelis have asked Hamas through intermediaries for proof of Ms. Yehud’s life, and it appears that Hamas has provided this proof to the Egyptians.

Four female Israeli soldiers taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023 were freed on Saturday as part of a ceasefire deal that also saw the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners.

Meanwhile, many Gazans are anxiously waiting for a breakthrough that could allow them to return.

For many, the hope of return outweighs the reality that awaits them – ruins and destruction.

Yet the dream of reclaiming their lives, rebuilding their homes and reuniting with their families is keeping their spirits alive.