Israel Suspends Return of Displaced Gazans Until Hostage is Released

IL
Published:

Amid ongoing tensions, Israel has announced it will block the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza until Hamas releases civilian hostage Arbel Yehud. The decision follows Israel's military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari's statement that Hamas has failed to prioritize the return of female civilians.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Gazans would not be permitted passage to the northern region of the Gaza Strip until Yehud’s release is assured. According to Hamas sources, Yehud remains "alive and in good health" and is expected to be released during a planned hostage-prisoner swap on February 1.

Earlier, four Israeli women soldiers held captive in Gaza were released as part of the ongoing negotiations. The Israeli military reiterated that accessibility to the Netzarim corridor, a key route for returning Gazans, remains restricted until further notice, echoing concerns about Hamas fulfilling its commitments in the hostage negotiations.

Displaced residents of Gaza, including families currently living in temporary shelters, expressed their ongoing hardship amid the conflict. One displaced individual recounted the suffering experienced since being relocated in October 2023.

Weekly Newsletter

News summary by melangenews

Loading...

More from Israel

Israel Imposes Ban on UN Aid Program for Palestinians, Igniting Concerns

A ban on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has officially taken effect in Occupied East Jerusalem and Israel, following a vote by the Israeli Parliament three months prior. Officials state the move is justified by allegations that UNRWA maintains close ties with Hamas, which the agency denies. A recent legal challenge to halt the ban was dismissed by the Israeli Supreme Court. UNRWA provides essential services, including healthcare and education, to approximately 70,000 Palestinians in Jerusalem and supports nearly two million residents in Gaza. Critics, including patients from the Shuafat refugee camp, express frustration over losing access to vital medical care. "This really doesn't work for us," said Amal, a Palestinian patient in the camp. Additionally, the head of the World Food Programme, Cindy McCain, warned that the ban could severely impact food security in the region. UNRWA's director for the West Bank, Roland Friedrich, noted that the closure will undermine coordination efforts for necessary services, stressing, "The collapse of UNRWA cannot be in the interest of anybody."
IL

Growing Concerns for Bibas Family Amid Hostage Exchanges in Israel

In Tel Aviv, anxiety is intensifying over the fate of the Bibas family, who have become emblematic of the ongoing hostage crisis involving Hamas. On Thursday, Israel celebrated the release of Agam Berger, the last of five kidnapped soldiers, as jubilant crowds gathered at the "Square of Hostages." However, many are deeply worried about Shiri Bibas and her two young children, Kfir and Ariel, who were abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Margalit Bokritz, a local resident, expressed hope for the family’s survival but admitted, “Unfortunately, it does not look good.” Israeli officials have stated that the agreement with Hamas prioritizes the release of surviving women and children before any deceased hostages are addressed. This has heightened fears for the Bibas family's wellbeing, especially after Hamas claimed in November that they had died during an Israeli airstrike, a report that remains unverified by Israeli authorities. While the recent hostage exchange has provided some relief, tensions simmer as dissatisfaction with Hamas's behavior continues to grow. The Israeli government recently assured that further hostage releases will be contingent on guaranteed safety for Israeli captives moving forward.
IL

Israeli Hostage Romi Gonen Released After 15 Months in Captivity

Romi Gonen, 24, has been reunited with her family after being held hostage by Hamas for over 470 days, as reported by the Associated Press. Captured during the October 7, 2023, attacks, Gonen was released on January 19, 2025, alongside two other women. This release was part of a ceasefire agreement that includes the gradual exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Her father, Eitan Gonen, revealed that he spent months publicly urging his daughter to stay alive, maintaining hope throughout her captivity. The ongoing negotiations have seen around 250 individuals taken hostage during the October attacks, with about 90 believed to still be held. Israeli authorities are now focused on the rehabilitation of the released hostages, who are reported to be in poor health, suffering from malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies. Dr. Ami Benov noted that the released hostages' recovery could take considerable time. Eitan Gonen emphasized the need for continued efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages while cherishing the time he can spend with Romi, who is now beginning her healing process.
IL
All Israel News ->