Tens of thousands of Palestinians remained stranded, awaiting permission to return to northern Gaza amid a tense ceasefire compromised by accusations against Hamas. Witness reports highlighted overcrowding on key roads, with displaced persons eager to resume their lives. Former President Trump called for Egypt and Jordan to accommodate more Palestinians, igniting concerns about potential permanent resettlement outside Gaza as the situation remains volatile.
On Sunday, tens of thousands of Palestinians remained stranded, awaiting clearance to return to their homes in northern Gaza. They expressed discontent due to Israel’s allegations against Hamas regarding a broken ceasefire agreement, which led to the closure of crossing points. After a recent exchange of hostages, the situation highlighted the fragile nature of the ongoing truce between Israel and Hamas, who have faced each other in conflicts over the years.
Central Gaza saw long queues of individuals on foot and in vehicles, as they waited along major roadways leading north. Tamer Al-Burai, a displaced individual, declared, “A sea of people is waiting for a signal to move back to Gaza City and the north; people are fed up and they want to go home.” Many residents were eager to establish temporary living conditions near the ruins of their homes, even without knowing the status of their properties.
Witnesses reported that many people slept overnight along Salahuddin Road and other routes, hoping to cross military checkpoints controlling access to northern Gaza. Trucks and rickshaws were overloaded with essentials including mattresses and food, while volunteers worked to distribute water and supplies. Under the mediation of Egypt and Qatar, an agreement required Israel to facilitate the return of displaced Palestinians, yet compliance hinged on Hamas meeting specific conditions regarding hostages.
Israeli officials contended that Hamas violated the agreement by failing to provide complete details about hostages. Consequently, they maintained a strict closure of checkpoints preventing returns to northern Gaza. In contrast, Hamas accused Israel of obstructing the process and blamed it for the failure in proceeding with the agreement.
In a recent development, former President Donald Trump urged the U.S. military to proceed with the release of bomb shipments to Israel that had faced delays, citing concerns over civilian casualties. He also suggested that Egypt and Jordan should accommodate more Palestinians, stating, “we should just clear out the whole thing.” This statement raised suspicions among Palestinians regarding their displacement.
Hamas officials expressed their rejection of any proposals that might lead to permanent relocation, emphasizing their commitment to repelling any such initiatives despite outward claims of good intentions. Amidst the turmoil, four individuals were injured by Israeli fire in an apparent attempt to control crowds trying to approach military positions, further complicating the already tense atmosphere in Gaza.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to severe humanitarian crises in Gaza, characterized by frequent military escalations and complex political negotiations. Recently brokered ceasefires have temporarily halted hostilities but remain precarious, heavily dependent on both parties’ adherence to agreements. The international community, particularly through mediators like Egypt and Qatar, is actively involved in attempting to facilitate the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes while addressing the intricate issues surrounding hostages and military operations in the region.
This report highlights the pressing humanitarian issues faced by Palestinians in Gaza as they await the chance to return home. Despite agreements aimed at facilitating their return, ongoing military tensions and accusations between Israel and Hamas continue to delay the process. The statements made by leaders, particularly concerning the potential resettlement of Palestinians outside their homeland, contribute to an atmosphere of distrust and anxiety within the community, further complicating the already delicate situation.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
