Thousands of Palestinians Gather at Israeli Barrier in Gaza.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - Thousands of Palestinians have gathered at an Israeli military barrier in Gaza. They are trying to reach their homes in the north. The barrier blocks a key road that divides north and south Gaza.
Israel controls this road, called the Netzarim Corridor. It planned to leave the area this weekend under a ceasefire deal. But Israeli forces are still there. Israel says Hamas broke the agreement.
Israel will keep blocking the north route because Hamas did not free a hostage on Saturday as planned. The hostage is Arbel Yehud, an Israeli civilian woman. Hamas later showed Israel that she was alive. The group said it will release her next weekend.
On Saturday, Hamas did release four female Israeli soldiers. They had been held since October 2023. In exchange, Israel freed 200 Palestinian prisoners. Ms. Yehud was supposed to be let go first.
Talks are going on in Egypt and Qatar. The goal is to get Palestinians back to the north safely. But a Palestinian official says things are still on hold.
There was some chaos Saturday evening. Palestinians thought they could go north after the soldier's release. But they found Israeli tanks still blocked the way.
Crowds gathered on a central Gaza road to head home. Gunfire was heard. A video showed people panicking as four shots rang out.
The Israeli military said troops fired to keep people away, not to hurt them. It said no one was known to be injured. But Palestinian reports say one person died in a separate incident.
Many Palestinians just want to go home, even if their houses are ruined. They hope to restart work and see loved ones again. Some have been apart for over a year.
Israel wanted proof Ms. Yehud was alive before letting people pass. It seems Hamas gave this to Egypt by Saturday evening.
Palestinians are anxious for a deal to let them go north. They want to rebuild and reunite with family. They still have hope despite the destruction that waits.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - Thousands of Palestinians have gathered at an Israeli military barrier in Gaza. They are trying to reach their homes in the north. The barrier blocks a key road that divides north and south Gaza.
Israel controls this road, called the Netzarim Corridor. It planned to leave the area this weekend under a ceasefire deal. But Israeli forces are still there. Israel says Hamas broke the agreement.
Israel will keep blocking the north route because Hamas did not free a hostage on Saturday as planned. The hostage is Arbel Yehud, an Israeli civilian woman. Hamas later showed Israel that she was alive. The group said it will release her next weekend.
On Saturday, Hamas did release four female Israeli soldiers. They had been held since October 2023. In exchange, Israel freed 200 Palestinian prisoners. Ms. Yehud was supposed to be let go first.
Talks are going on in Egypt and Qatar. The goal is to get Palestinians back to the north safely. But a Palestinian official says things are still on hold.
There was some chaos Saturday evening. Palestinians thought they could go north after the soldier's release. But they found Israeli tanks still blocked the way.
Crowds gathered on a central Gaza road to head home. Gunfire was heard. A video showed people panicking as four shots rang out.
The Israeli military said troops fired to keep people away, not to hurt them. It said no one was known to be injured. But Palestinian reports say one person died in a separate incident.
Many Palestinians just want to go home, even if their houses are ruined. They hope to restart work and see loved ones again. Some have been apart for over a year.
Israel wanted proof Ms. Yehud was alive before letting people pass. It seems Hamas gave this to Egypt by Saturday evening.
Palestinians are anxious for a deal to let them go north. They want to rebuild and reunite with family. They still have hope despite the destruction that waits.
