Israel Violates Ceasefire Deal, Blocks Palestinians From Returning To North, Opens Fire

Gaza, Palestine: The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) have opened fire on Palestinians trying to return to their homes in the north of Gaza Strip. At least one person was reportedly killed as the IOF opens fire at the thousands of Palestinians gathered waiting to return to their home, or what is remained of it. Hamas accuse Israel of violating the ceasefire deal.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel Prime Minister, said that Tel Aviv will not let displaced Palestinians of north Gaza return to home unless Hamas released a female civilian captive. The stand-off between the two came as the ceasefire deal entered its second stage. Hamas released four Israeli female soldiers yesterday in exchange of 200 Palestinians captives kept in Israeli prison. Some of the Palestinians also include those serving life sentences.

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“Palestinians here in the north are waiting for their loved ones to return from the south”, reported Al Jazeera journalist Ibrahim al-Khalili.

“Some of them have not seen their loved ones for 15 months of the Israeli war. But even if the displaced Palestinians get the chance to return today, they will be coming back to nothing but rubble. The Israeli operation in North Gaza governorate – we are talking about Beit Hanoon, Beit Lahiya and Jabaliya – has completely destroyed these areas. The mass devastation that has been inflicted in the area has rendered it unfit to sustain human life. But people are waiting. They say every minute feels like a day. But no one has been allowed to cross over yet”, he said.

Also Read: Everything To Know About Gaza Ceasefire Deal

Meanwhile, Israel continue its attack in the occupied West Bank. At least two people were killed in the large scale attack form Israeli occupation force in and near the city of Jenin, killing at least two people. Two year-old girl was also killed by the IOF, as she was shot in the head, as per media report.