The Gaza truce faced fresh challenges over the last two days as Israel refused to allow displaced Palestinians in southern and central Gaza to return to the north, a key part of the agreement.
Instead, Israel insisted on the release of Israeli captive Arbel Yehoud before permitting any returns, raising concerns the deal could collapse.
The situation worsened after Hamas handed over four Israeli female captives. Hamas demanded mediators pressure Israel to honor its promises, including allowing displaced Palestinians to return.
Israel, however, refused to proceed until Yehoud’s release or guarantees for her return, with a critical deadline looming on Saturday.
Sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Yehoud, held by Islamic Jihad and the Popular Resistance Committees, was confirmed alive after coordination with Hamas. However, Israel requested proof of life, a demand rejected by Palestinian factions to avoid giving Israel leverage without concessions.
Hamas took charge of negotiations, insisting that displaced Palestinians return before Yehoud’s release to prevent any potential Israeli deception. Disagreements also arose over Yehuod’s classification.
Hamas argued she was a reserve soldier, requiring 50 Palestinian prisoners to be freed in exchange. Israel claimed she was a civilian, which would reduce the exchange to 30 detainees.
Israel demanded a full list of captives set for release in the first phase. Palestinian factions complied, revealing more living captives than expected, which advanced talks on the return of displaced Palestinians.
To ease tensions, mediators suggested releasing two additional Israeli captives alongside Yehoud. Eventually, the factions agreed to release 30 Palestinian detainees as part of the exchange.
Hamas announced plans to release three more captives on Saturday, showing its ability to negotiate further exchanges.
However, sources warned of potential Israeli attempts to delay or undermine the agreement, especially as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces internal opposition within his government.
Meanwhile, more Palestinian faction leaders arrived in Cairo for talks with Egyptian mediators to prepare for the next phase of negotiations.
This phase will address rebuilding Gaza, governance under Hamas, and other post-war issues, which are expected to be even more challenging.
As tensions remain high, the truce hangs in the balance, with both sides maneuvering to secure their demands while avoiding a collapse of the fragile agreement.
