IDF Warns Palestinians Not to Return to Northern Gaza

By Yoni Weiss

On Sunday, the third day of the Israel-Hamas temporary ceasefire, the IDF issued warnings to Palestinians who had evacuated northern Gaza, urging them not to return.

IDF’s Arabic spokesman, Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee, reiterated prior warnings conveyed through dropped leaflets, directing Palestinians to continue moving south of Wadi Gaza. He also cautioned against attempts to re-enter the northern regions of the Strip, access the sea, or approach within one kilometer of the Israel-Gaza border.

One of the ceasefire’s conditions was that Palestinians should refrain from returning to their homes in the conflict zone of northern Gaza. Despite these warnings, there have been instances of some Palestinians returning to survey damage or conduct burials.

The temporary four-day ceasefire commenced at 7 a.m. on Friday, part of an agreement between Israel and the Hamas group. As per the terms approved by the Israeli Cabinet, Hamas is expected to release 12 to 13 hostages daily during the truce. For every additional release of 10 hostages, an extra day of ceasefire will be added.

To date, 26 Israelis have safely returned to Israeli territory.

As per the terms of the agreement, the IDF will suspend the use of surveillance drones in Gaza for six hours each day of the ceasefire. Israel will also facilitate fuel entry into the Strip and significantly increase the volume of goods allowed into the area.