Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning on Saturday, threatening to prevent the return of displaced Palestinians in northern Gaza. In his view, Hamas has not respected the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement. In an official statement, Netanyahu’s office affirmed that Hamas had failed to live up to its commitments by not releasing the Israeli hostage, Arbel Yehud. This announcement came after Hamas released four Israeli soldiers as part of the ceasefire agreement. However, Netanyahu insists on the fact that “Israel will not authorize the passage of Gazans to the north of the Gaza Strip” as long as Arbel Yehud, who should have been released, is not released. La chaîne israélienne 12 has revealed that Israel demanded from Hamas proof of life concerning Yehud, as well as a confirmation of his release the following week. This element is part of the first phase of the ceasefire, where Israel plans to withdraw its troops from the Netzarim axis, thus authorising the return of Palestinian displaced persons to their homes in the north. A six-week cease-fire began on 19 January, suspending the Israeli offensive which had caused heavy casualties since 7 October. According to the report of our confrères de Anadolu, nearly 47 300 Palestinians have lost their lives due to the hostilities, mostly women and children. In addition, more than 111 400 people were injured. During the first day of the ceasefire, Israel freed 90 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for three Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The ceasefire comprises three phases, including prisoner exchanges and the promise of a permanent truce with the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
The return of displaced Palestinians: Benjamin Netanyahu breaks the silence and threatens against…
