Thousands of displaced Palestinians are poised to return to northern Gaza following a recent agreement that may see the release of Israeli hostage Arbel Yehud. This development comes after negotiations led by a senior official from Palestinian Islamic Jihad, who indicated that the release would occur in exchange for 30 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for extensive terms, including life sentences.
The agreement is expected to facilitate the movement of thousands back to northern Gaza as early as Sunday night or Monday morning. However, Israeli authorities have yet to confirm the specifics of the arrangement.
Growing tensions amid delays
On Saturday, Hamas released four Israeli female soldiers who had been held since October 7, 2023, in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners. Yehud, a civilian, is prioritized for release under this new deal.
In response to the ongoing hostage situation, Israel accused Hamas of violating its ceasefire terms and has maintained a blockade around northern Gaza until the agreed release of Yehud is fulfilled. This has led to numerous displaced Palestinians, eager to return home, congregating at the military barriers that hinder their progress. Images depict large crowds amassed at the Netzarim Corridor, a critical thoroughfare monitored by Israeli forces that separates the northern and southern regions of Gaza.
“We’re sleeping in the streets,” said Nirmeen Musabeh, 42, who traveled from Deir al-Balah after being displaced from her home in Shejaiya. “We can’t go home and every time we try to go home they shoot at us.”
Another local, Diab Shehbari, expressed his frustration, stating he had been at the checkpoint since 20:30 local time on Saturday. He conveyed the distress of his children enduring the cold overnight, as they sought warmth by lighting a fire. Shehbari hopes to return to Jabalia to see his sons and pay respects to the deceased, anticipating significant destruction in his hometown: “I expect to see destruction. People are saying that with the level of destruction, there are no landmarks remaining. I want to see this with my own eyes.”
Chaos at checkpoints and the quest for safety
On Saturday evening, chaotic scenes unfolded as Palestinians believed they would be permitted to head north after the hostage release. To their dismay, the route remained obstructed by Israeli military tanks. Reports indicate that gunfire erupted in the vicinity as crowds began to gather along al-Rashid road in central Gaza, prompting panic among the individuals waiting to return home.
Footage verified by BBC illustrates the turmoil, with the sound of gunfire resonating amid the crowd. According to reports from various sources, including the Hamas-run health ministry and Palestinian media, at least one person lost their life, and several others sustained injuries during these confrontations. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged that troops discharged shots in response to groups they deemed suspicious, stating, “all of the shooting in the area was carried out for the purpose of distancing and not aimed at harm.” They affirmed that there were no known injuries among the suspects as a consequence of the shooting.
Under the current ceasefire conditions, Palestinians had been slated to be allowed passage north of the Netzarim Corridor, a strategically significant area controlled by Israel that effectively isolates northern Gaza from the rest of the region.
Efforts mediated by Qatari and Egyptian officials aimed at facilitating the return of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to the north have seen some progress. Israel has requested confirmation of Yehud’s status, and it was reported that satisfactory proof was provided to Egyptian intermediaries by Saturday evening.
As the situation evolves, many Gazans remain hopeful for a resolution allowing their return. Despite the daunting reality of potential devastation awaiting them, the aspirations of rebuilding their lives and reuniting with loved ones sustain their spirits amid the uncertainty.