As IDF keeps Netzarim Corridor closed after Hamas refusal to release Arbel Yehud, thousands of Gazans wait

The Israeli government announced Saturday that the Netzarim Corridor will not be opened to Palestinian movement until the civilian hostage Arbel Yehud is released in accordance with the ceasefire agreement. 

The government said Saturday that Hamas had violated the deal, which required it to release all living civilian women first. Additionally, Hamas has not yet provided the full list of the remaining 26 hostages to be released in the first stage, along with their condition. The Israeli government argues that these are violations of the ceasefire agreement and decided not to open the Netzarim Corridor. 

“As a result, it was decided that the Gaza crossing into the northern Gaza Strip would not be approved. Since yesterday until now, many efforts have been made with the United States and the mediators to bring about Arbel's release. It was expected that Hamas would create difficulties and continue its psychological warfare on the way to implementing the agreement. We are determined to bring about the return of all the abductees, both living and dead,” the government said in a statement. 

On Sunday morning, IDF Arabic Spokesman Colonel Avichay Adraee, announced the decision to keep the corridor closed, warning Palestinians not to approach the IDF forces there, or to attempt to cross over into northern Gaza. 

“Urgent announcement to the residents of the Gaza Strip!” Adraee posted to 𝕏. “In light of Hamas’s breach of the ceasefire agreement and with the aim of preventing friction and misunderstandings: All existing instructions remain in effect, especially the prohibition on approaching the Netzarim Corridor until it is announced to be open. The Netzarim Corridor will not be opened for transfer until the settlement of the liberation of Israeli civilians between the mediators and Israel.  Follow the instructions to keep yourself safe.” 

#عاجل ‼️إعلان عاجل إلى سكان قطاع غزة
🔴في ضوء خرق اتفاق وقف إطلاق النار من قبل حماس وبهدف منع الاحتكاكات وسوء الفهم:
⭕️كافة التعليمات القائمة لا تزال سارية المفعول وبالأخص حظر الاقتراب إلى محور نتساريم حتى الإعلان عن فتحه
⭕️محور نتساريم لن يفتح للانتقال حتى تسوية تحرير المواطنة… pic.twitter.com/otHYwapCtI

— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) January 25, 2025

Following the decision of the Israeli government to keep the Netzarim Corridor closed and prevent the return of Gazan civilians to the northern Gaza Strip, crowds of residents, backed by Hamas, are trying to escalate the situation by marching toward the IDF positions along the corridor on Sunday morning. 

#شاهد
مشاهد جوية لآلاف الفلسطينيين الذين يرابطون شوقاً للعودة إلى شمال غزة بعد شهور من النزوح تحت القصف والإبادة الجماعية. pic.twitter.com/wXXDghdFZQ

— المركز الفلسطيني للإعلام (@PalinfoAr) January 26, 2025

Many Gazans could be seen waiting in their cars on Salah a-Din Street on Sunday morning, hoping to return to the northern Gaza Strip. According to the ceasefire agreement, the movement of vehicles northward was supposed to be allowed following the second hostage release, subject to security checks by Israeli security forces. 

Tens of thousands of Palestinians tried to advance along the route, despite the IDF announcement that the route would remain closed until the liberation of Arbel Yehud. IDF soldiers fired into the air and even fired at the ground in front of evacuees in order to keep the crowds from approaching the security barriers. The Israeli government claims that Hamas is encouraging the residents to return home despite the IDF order in an attempt to exert pressure on Israel. 

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said on Sunday morning that the terror group demanded the mediators pressure Israel to allow the return of Gaza residents to the northern Gaza Strip. 

Meanwhile, CNN reported that Israel had contacted President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to ask him to pressure Hamas to keep the terms of the agreement. 

According to Ynet news, Israel has asked the U.S. to exert pressure on Qatar to help resolve the disagreement, and Mossad chief David Barnea is also reported to be holding talks with the Qatari prime minister on the issue.

A spokesman for the White House National Security Council said, “We are continuing to push for Arbel Yehud’s release through negotiation channels.” 

The report in Ynet said the Israeli government has indicated it would open the Netzarim Corridor to Gaza residents as soon as Arbel is released, indicating an attempt to pressure Hamas to release her before the next scheduled release on Saturday evening.