The Israeli military has reiterated its warning to Palestinians in Gaza against moving to the enclave’s north, particularly toward the Netzarim road, which divides the north from the south. The warning comes hours ahead of the expected release of four Israeli hostages and numerous Palestinian prisoners on Saturday.
The Israeli military’s Arabic spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, stated that moving from the south to the north of Gaza remains dangerous due to IDF activities in the area. Adraee mentioned that if Hamas complies with the agreement, residents of the Gaza Strip will be allowed to return to the northern Gaza Strip, with specific directives to be issued accordingly.
As part of the ceasefire and hostage deal, Palestinian civilians are set to return to their homes across Gaza, including the heavily affected north. However, Palestinians have been cautioned against approaching Israeli forces, the Rafah border crossing, the Philadelphi corridor between Gaza and Egypt in the south, or entering the sea.
The Israeli military has pulled back to buffer zones along Gaza’s border but has warned against approaching areas where its troops are still stationed. A map of zones labeled as “very dangerous” to approach has been published by the Israeli military.
Since the deal came into effect on January 19, at least four Palestinians have reportedly been shot by the Israeli military in Gaza. The situation remains tense as the region awaits the release of hostages and prisoners, with ongoing concerns about safety and potential escalations.
