As reported by Israel Hayom, Israel postponed its response to Hamas' breach of the agreement until the safe return of the four hostages. Now that they are in Israeli custody, discussions took place, leading to the decision to suspend the return of displaced Palestinians from southern Gaza to the northern strip.
Yesterday, discussions revolved around whether to reopen strategic routes, including the Natzarim Corridor and the coastal and Tantar routes, to allow the transfer of refugees within Gaza. Ultimately, Israel decided to freeze all Palestinians movement north until compliance with the agreement is restored.
Despite Hamas' breach of the terms, Israel has maintained the agreed ratio of prisoners to be released, even though the composition of released hostages has shifted. The initial agreement stipulated that a higher number of security prisoners would be released in exchange for soldiers compared to civilians.
Hamas has attempted to shift responsibility for the failure to release Arbel Yehud onto Islamic Jihad and a Salafi group aligned with them, which holds the hostage from Nir Oz. According to both Palestinian and Israeli sources, the Salafi group has issued demands for Arbel's release, including fuel and supplies from incoming shipments, names of specific prisoners to be freed, and assurances of continued independent operations in Gaza.
An Israeli official stated that Hamas is trying to avoid accountability and avert an Israeli response to the agreement's breach. "Hamas has the capacity to exert control over the Salafi group, and a firm Israeli demand could compel them to ensure Arbel Yehud's release," the official added.
Israel's leadership remains adamant about adhering to the agreement and holding Hamas responsible for fulfilling its terms, including the immediate release of all remaining hostages.
