Gaza, January 26, 2025 – The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) announced on Sunday that it is closely monitoring the Israeli occupation’s refusal to allow displaced Palestinians to return from southern Gaza to the northern regions, labeling this move as a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement.
In a press statement, Hamas clarified that the occupation is stalling under the pretext of the captive Israeli soldier, Orbel Yehud. The movement emphasized that it had informed mediators of Yehud’s well-being and provided all necessary guarantees for her release.
Hamas held the Israeli occupation fully responsible for obstructing the implementation of the agreement and stated that it is working “responsibly” with mediators to find a resolution that ensures the displaced can return to their homes in the north.
According to the terms of the ceasefire, the Israeli forces were obligated to open Salah al-Din Road—a vital 45-kilometer route connecting northern and southern Gaza—immediately after receiving the second batch of prisoners.
However, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously stated that Gaza residents would not be allowed to return to northern areas “until the release of captive Orbel Yehud is arranged.”
The ceasefire agreement, brokered between Hamas and the Israeli occupation, came into effect on January 19, 2025.
As part of the second phase of the prisoner exchange deal tied to the ceasefire, the Israeli occupation forces released 200 Palestinian prisoners with long-term and life sentences yesterday. In return, Hamas facilitated the release of four female Israeli soldiers.
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Author: Nor-Eleslam
