Tensions Rise as Israeli Troops Block Palestinian Return in Gaza Amid Cease-fire Dispute

On Sunday, Israeli soldiers were obstructing the return of Palestinians to their residences in the northern region of the Gaza Strip. This action came as Israel accused Hamas of breaching the cease-fire agreement that had only been in effect for a week, while Hamas countered that Israel was the one prolonging the situation.

Officials from both Israeli and Palestinian sides indicated that they were engaging with mediators in an effort to resolve the escalating crisis, one of the most critical developments since the cease-fire was established, which had temporarily halted intense fighting after a prolonged period of conflict lasting 15 months.

The initial phase of the deal, agreed upon earlier in the month, had anticipated that Israel would pull back some of its military presence to facilitate the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals from Gaza following a hostage and prisoner exchange that took place on Saturday. However, the Israeli government contended that Hamas had not adhered to the terms of the agreement, asserting that the group failed to prioritize the return of female Israeli hostages and did not provide the necessary information about other hostages, as required by the negotiated terms.