Israel Suspends Return of Displaced Gazans Until Hostage is Released

ILIsrael|

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

Loading...

More from Israel

Hamas Releases Video of Israeli-American Hostage Edan Alexander

Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, released a video on Saturday featuring Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American hostage, during which he criticizes the Israeli government for its failure to secure his release. Abducted during the October 7 attack on Israel, Alexander was identified by the Israeli campaign group Hostages and Missing Families Forum as a soldier in an elite infantry unit stationed near the Gaza border. In the video, Alexander, who recently turned 21, expresses a desire to return home to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Passover, a time commemorating freedom from slavery. His family, based in Israel and the U.S., issued a statement urging remembrance of the hostages during the holiday. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reported on military advancements in Gaza just hours after the video was released, stating that operations threaten both civilians and the hostages' safety. As of now, 58 hostages remain captive after 251 were taken during the initial attack, with 34 presumed dead, according to the Israeli military.
ILIsrael

Red Cross Chief Calls Gaza Conditions 'Hell on Earth' Amid Ongoing Israeli Assault

Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), described the situation in Gaza as "hell on earth" as hostilities between Israel and Hamas persist. Her remarks followed the Israeli military's renewed offensive, which has resulted in over 1,500 deaths and displaced nearly 400,000 people since March 18, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry. The UN human rights office warned that Israel's tactics threaten the viability of life for Palestinians in the region. Spoljaric emphasized a concerning "extreme hollowing out" of international law, pointing out that the Geneva Conventions, which protect civilians in conflict, are being undermined. Israeli officials maintain their operations comply with international law, arguing that collateral damage is a consequence of fighting Hamas, which embeds its fighters among civilians. Over 50,912 people are estimated to have been killed in Gaza since the conflict escalated following a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The international community continues to express alarm, with UN Secretary-General and various agencies urging for immediate humanitarian relief and adherence to basic international law.
ILIsrael

UK MPs Detained and Deported by Israel Amid Ongoing Conflict

Israeli authorities detained and deported two UK lawmakers, Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed, from the governing Labour Party, upon their arrival in Israel. This incident has garnered significant attention, with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy labeling the detainment as "unacceptable" and "deeply concerning," according to reports from British media. Lammy emphasized that this action undermines diplomatic relations, stating it is "counterproductive" to treat British parliamentarians in such a manner. He noted that the UK government is dedicated to securing a ceasefire and facilitating negotiations to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Since the resurgence of military operations last month, intense bombardments have led to significant casualties, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting 1,249 deaths in Gaza alone, amid a total death toll of 50,609 since the war began following the October 7, 2023, attacks. The situation remains dire as Israel aims to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages while managing international humanitarian concerns.
ILIsrael
All Israel News ->