Israel, Hamas Trade Blame As Gazans Await Returning To North

Israeli forces open fire on Palestinians trying to return to their homes, killing at least one person

Sun Jan 26 2025
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News desk

  • Israel accused of delaying truce deal implementation
  • Netanyahu wants civilian hostage released
  • Ceasefire deal teeters on the brink

Islamabad: Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinians trying to return to their homes in the north of the Gaza Strip, killing at least one person, as Hamas accused Israel of delaying the implementation of the ceasefire deal.

Al Jazeera quoted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as saying Israel was blocking the return of Palestinians over a delay by Hamas in releasing a female civilian captive.

AFP said Israel accused Hamas of violating a ceasefire agreement, which came into effect one week ago and has so far resulted in the release of seven hostages and dozens of Palestinian prisoners.

“During the execution of the second phase of the swap yesterday, Hamas committed two violations,” said a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.

The statement said Arbel Yehud, a civilian hostage who was scheduled for release on Saturday, has not been freed.

During the execution of the second phase of the swap yesterday, Hamas committed two violations.” – Israeli PM’s office

“The detailed list of all hostages’ statuses has not been provided.”

Dispute

The dispute came as a ceasefire between the two sides entered its second week, with the exchange of four Israeli soldiers for 200 Palestinians taking place on Saturday.

In the occupied West Bank, Israeli soldiers continued a large-scale military operation in and near the city of Jenin, killing at least two people, including a two-year-old girl.

Israel’s war on Gaza

Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 47,283 Palestinians and wounded 111,472 since October 7, 2023. At least 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led attacks that day and more than 200 were taken captive.

Exchange

Hamas released four female Israeli soldier hostages on Saturday, while Israel freed 200 Palestinian prisoners as part of the fragile Gaza ceasefire deal aimed at ending more than 15 months of Israeli bombardments that have killed over 47,000 Palestinians.
Hamas handed over the four hostage Israeli soldiers to the International Committee of the Red Cross officials in Palestine Square in Gaza City.
The four hostages were led onto a podium in Gaza City amid a large crowd of Palestinians and surrounded by dozens of Hamas men. They waved and smiled before being led off, entering ICRC vehicles and being transported to Israeli forces.
Hamas identified the four female Israeli soldiers as Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag.
Later on Saturday, Israel said 200 Palestinians were released from its jails, within the scope of the second exchange with Hamas under the truce deal sealed earlier in the month.

Israel’s Prison Service said it had completed the release of 200 Palestinians. They included 121 who had been serving life sentences. Around 70 were released into Egypt, according to Egypt’s state-run Qahera TV. Egypt had served as a key mediator in the talks that led to the truce.

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