Israel blocks return of displaced to northern Gaza until prisoner Arbel Yehud is released

Israel said on Saturday it would block the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes in northern Gaza until civilian woman captive Arbel Yehud is released.

Palestinian resistance movement Hamas accused Israel on Saturday of procrastinating in implementing the current ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.

In a statement, Hamas said: The Israeli occupation continues to procrastinate in implementing the terms of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement by keeping (coastal) Al-Rashid Street closed and preventing displaced pedestrians from returning from the south to the north (Gaza Strip).

We hold the occupation responsible for any delays in implementing the agreement and the repercussions this may have on subsequent phases, added Hamas.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened Saturday to prevent displaced Palestinians from returning to northern Gaza, accusing Hamas of violating a ceasefire and prisoner swap agreement.

In a statement, Netanyahu’s office claimed that Hamas violated the Gaza deal by failing to free Israeli captive Arbel Yehud.

Israel has received four female hostage soldiers from Hamas, and in return will release security prisoners the office said.

Hamas freed four female Israeli soldiers early Saturday under the ceasefire agreement with Israel.

“In accordance with the agreement, Israel will not allow the passage of Gazans to the north of the Gaza Strip, until the arrangement of the release of civilian Arbel Yehud, who was supposed to be released today,” Netanyahu’s office said.

According to the Israeli Channel 12, Israel demanded proof from Hamas that Yehud is alive and will be freed next week.

Egypt’s state-affiliated Al-Qahera News channel, citing a well-informed source, said that Yehud alive and will be released next Saturday.

According to the source, Egyptian and Qatari mediators were informed that the Israeli captive is alive, without giving any further details.

Under the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire day, Israel is planned to withdraw from the Netzarim Corridor area that separates northern Gaza from its south, allowing displaced Palestinian to return to their areas in northern Gaza.

Some 200 Palestinian prisoners were also freed by Israel on Saturday under the deal.

The first six-week phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement took effect on Jan. 19, suspending Israel’s genocidal war that has killed nearly 47,300 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured more than 111,400 since Oct. 7, 2023.

On the first day of the ceasefire, Israel released 90 Palestinian detainees in return for three Israeli captives set free by Hamas.

The three-phase ceasefire agreement includes a prisoner exchange and sustained calm, aiming for a permanent truce and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.