'Policy of humiliation': Thousands of displaced Gazans stranded as Israel blocks their return home

Hamas issues statement accusing Israel of breaking ceasefire agreement

Palestinians wait to be allowed to return to their homes in northern Gaza after they were displaced to the south at Israel's order during the war. Reuters

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Thousands of displaced Gazans are stranded near the southern side of the Netzarim Corridor in the middle of Gaza, and Salah Al Din Street, awaiting approval from the Israeli military to return to northern Gaza, as agreed in the ceasefire deal.

The Israeli army “opened fire on groups of civilians waiting to return to northern Gaza” Al Awda Hospital in Al Nuseirat said in a statement, adding that “The hospital received four injuries from the Tabet Al Nuweiri area, west of Al Nuseirat Camp”.

In response, Hamas issued a statement accusing Israel of breaking the ceasefire agreement. “Hamas is closely monitoring the situation with mediators regarding the occupation's prevention of displaced persons from returning to the north. This is a clear violation of the ceasefire,” the statement said.

Palestinians will be allowed to cross into northern Gaza from Monday morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.

The Palestinian group said that the delays are being justified by their failure to release hostage Arbel Yehoud on Saturday.

“We hold the occupation responsible for the delay in implementing the agreement and are working with mediators to find a solution that allows the displaced to return,” it added.

Hamas said it will hand over the female hostage and two other hostages before Friday, mediator Qatar said on Sunday.

Palestinian families wait to return to the northern Gaza Strip from the southern Gaza Strip, along Rashid Road, west of Nuseirat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, 26 January 2025. EPA / HAITHAM IMAD

This delay has torn families apart and left them to endure harsh winter conditions with dwindling supplies. Displaced Gazans are trapped, waiting for an end to their suffering and the chance to return, even to homes reduced to rubble.

Among the displaced is Abdul Ghafoor Abu Tarboush, a 43-year-old from Sheikh Radwan in Gaza city. He has been waiting with his wife and four children at the Al Nuweiri area since the morning.

“According to the agreement, we expected to return on Saturday afternoon. But we were shocked when the army prevented us from passing through the Netzarim Corridor, firing heavily at the people,” he told The National.

We’ve been here for two days in the freezing cold with no shelter or aid, facing an uncertain future as our suffering goes ignored

Mohammed Shalail,
displaced Gazan

Sitting exposed in the open, Abdul Ghafoor said his family had dismantled and sold their tent and belongings in anticipation of their return on foot. “Israel’s policy of humiliating us and leaving us vulnerable must be confronted by the international community. Everyone deserves to return home after enduring such hardship,” he said.

Mohammed Shalail, 35, also expressed his anguish: “The situation near Al Nuseirat is unimaginably difficult. We’ve been here for two days in the freezing cold with no shelter or aid, facing an uncertain future as our suffering goes ignored.”

“I just want to return, even though my house is destroyed. I want to visit the graves of my brother and sister, who were martyred months ago. I never had the chance to say goodbye,” he added.

Musab Al Shanti, 27, from Gaza city’s Safatwi neighbourhood, has been waiting to be reunited with his displaced relatives since the ceasefire began. “I’ve been holding on, hoping to see my siblings return on the seventh day of the agreement. But Israel has blocked their return and created further obstacles,” he told The National.