Hamas accused Israel on Sunday of violating a ceasefire agreement by preventing displaced civilians from returning to northern Gaza.
The Palestinian group claimed Israel was delaying the implementation of the terms of the agreement.
According to Israel, their refusal to allow the return of displaced Palestinians is contingent on the release of Israeli captive Arbel Yehud.
Israel stated it will not permit the return of civilians until Yehud, a 29-year-old trained under Israel’s military space programme, is released.
Hamas, however, maintains that it has informed mediators that Yehud is alive and has provided guarantees for her release, urging a swift resolution that would allow displaced civilians to return home. The group holds Israel “fully responsible” for any delays in the return of these individuals.
The ceasefire agreement, which began on January 19, aims to end Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Palestinian territories, which has claimed more than 47,000 Palestinian lives, mostly women and children and caused widespread destruction since October 2023.
While some Israeli captives have been released, the ceasefire continues to face challenges due to Israel’s demands.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants in November last year for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
