Palestinian Youth Fatally Shot as Displaced Gazans Attempt to Return
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Synopsis
On January 26, a Palestinian youth was killed by Israeli forces while others were injured as displaced civilians sought to return to their homes in central Gaza. Thousands of Palestinians have gathered along Al-Rasheed Street, facing restrictions imposed by the Israeli military amid ongoing tensions.
Key Takeaways
- Israeli forces shot a Palestinian youth.
- Many displaced individuals are trying to return home.
- Al-Rasheed Street has seen thousands of Palestinians gathering.
- Israeli military maintains a ban on the Nitzarim Corridor.
- Hamas claims Israel is delaying ceasefire agreements.
Gaza, Jan 26 (NationPress) Israeli forces fatally shot a Palestinian youth and injured several others as displaced individuals attempted to return to their residences in central Gaza, according to Palestinian medical reports.
One person was confirmed dead and another injured on Saturday near the entrance to Al-Bureij refugee camp, stated Al-Awda Hospital in Al-Nuseirat.
In the Tiba Al-Nweiri area west of Al-Nuseirat camp, two additional youths suffered injuries from Israeli gunfire aimed at groups of citizens wishing to return to northern Gaza, the hospital further noted.
Thousands of Palestinians, displaced over more than 15 months of conflict, have converged along Al-Rasheed Street, eager to go back to their homes in the north. Many have packed their belongings and moved toward the Nitzarim Corridor, a division set by the Israeli military on October 27, 2023, separating southern and northern Gaza, as reported by Xinhua.
The Israeli military stated that current regulations remain in place, including restrictions on approaching the Nitzarim Corridor until it is officially reopened to avoid confrontations. These regulations are expected to be upheld pending new instructions following Hamas's compliance with its commitments, with the military urging adherence for public safety.
On Saturday, Hamas accused Israel of stalling the execution of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, cautioning that such delays could endanger subsequent phases of the agreement.
"The occupation keeps postponing the ceasefire agreement and the prisoner exchange by maintaining the closure of Al-Rasheed Street and obstructing displaced persons from moving back northward," stated the Palestinian group.
Earlier on Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced that Gazan residents would not be permitted to return to northern Gaza until Hamas released Israeli detainee Arbel Yehuda, who was anticipated to be freed that day.
"We have received four kidnapped female soldiers from Hamas, and in exchange, security detainees will be released according to the agreement," noted Netanyahu's office. "As per the agreement, Israel will not allow Gazans to return until Arbel Yehuda, who was set for release today, is freed."
Yehuda, a female civilian, was expected to be released along with three other female soldiers, but Hamas released four soldiers without including Yehuda. Earlier, the Israeli military and Shin Bet security service confirmed in a joint statement that Hamas had returned four Israeli female soldiers.
According to local Palestinian media, Hamas sources stated that Yehuda was "alive and in good health" and would be "released as part of the third swap scheduled for next Saturday, February 1."
