Israeli Authority Threatens To Ban Palestinian Refugees From Returning To Northern Gaza

Israeli authority leader Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday (25/1) threatened to prevent Palestinians from returning to northern Gaza, accusing Hamas of violating ceasefire deals and prisoner exchanges.

In a statement, Netanyahu's office claimed that Hamas violated the Gaza treaty by not releasing Israeli prisoners, Arbel Badminton.

"Israel has received four female soldiers who are hostages from Hamas, and in return will release security detainees," Netanyahu's office said in a statement.

Hamas released four Israeli female soldiers on Saturday morning under a ceasefire agreement with Israel.

"In accordance with the agreement, Israel will not allow Gazans to cross the northern region of the Gaza Strip until arrangements for the release of Arbel Badminton civilians, which should have been released today," the statement added.

According to Israel Channel 12 television channel, Israel is demanding evidence from Hamas that it is still alive and will be released next week.

In the first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza, Israel is planned to withdraw from the area of the Netzarim Corridor separating northern and southern Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza.

A total of 200 Palestinian prisoners are also scheduled to be released by Israel on Saturday under the deal.

The first phase of a six-week ceasefire agreement in Gaza came into force on January 19, and halted the Israeli genocide war that has killed nearly 47,300 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured more than 111,400 people since October 7, 2023.

On the first day of the ceasefire, Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for three Israeli prisoners released by Hamas.

The three-phase ceasefire agreement includes a sustainable prisoner swap and calm, with the aim of reaching a permanent ceasefire and withdrawing Israeli troops from Gaza.

Israel's attacks have left more than 11,000 people missing, with a massive crash and a humanitarian crisis that has claimed the lives of many parents and children, making it one of the worst humanitarian disasters in the world.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant in November last year against Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense chief Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel is also facing genocide cases at the International Court of Justice over its war in Gaza's territory.