PM Netanyahu’s Office Announces Israel Will Block Palestinian Return to Northern Gaza Until Hamas Frees Civilian Hostage

Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office has announced that the country will not permit Palestinians to return to the northern Gaza Strip until Hamas secures the release of Arbel Yehud, an Israeli female civilian hostage.

This comes after Israel received four female hostage soldiers from Hamas, and in return, Israel will release security prisoners as part of the agreement.

According to the deal, Israel was expected to withdraw from the northern half of the Netzarim Corridor, allowing Palestinians to return to north Gaza via the coastal road. But Israel claims that Hamas breached the agreement by releasing female hostage soldiers before freeing all living civilian women captives.

As a result, the IDF will not withdraw from the corridor until Arbel Yehud’s release is arranged. The IDF has warned Palestinians not to approach the area until it opens and has bolstered forces in Judea and Samaria in preparation for the release of Palestinian prisoners.

Meanwhile, two Hamas terror officials says hostage Arbel Yahud will be released this coming week.

Hamas has committed two major violations of the agreement: female hostage Arbel Yehud has not been released, and the list of living and deceased hostages, which was due two hours ago, has not been provided.