Tens of thousands of Palestinians were blocked on the road in northern Gaza on Sunday, frustrated by Israel’s refusal to open crossing points. This delay followed Israel's accusation that Hamas had breached the ceasefire agreement, highlighting the fragile nature of the truce between Israel and Hamas.

Long Wait for the Signal to Return

In central Gaza, columns of people waited along main roads, some walking, others in vehicles. "A sea of people is waiting for a signal to move back to Gaza City and the north. People are fed up and want to go home," said Tamer Al-Burai, a displaced person from Gaza City. He added, "Many don’t know if their houses are still standing, but they want to go back. They want to set up tents near the rubble and feel at home."

Overnight Stay and Crowded Roads

Witnesses reported that many people had slept overnight along roads like Salahuddin Road, which runs from north to south, and the coastal road leading north. Vehicles were packed with mattresses, food, and tents, while volunteers distributed water and food to the waiting crowd.

Ceasefire Violation Accusations

According to the agreement negotiated by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, Israel was supposed to allow Palestinians displaced from northern Gaza to return home. However, Israel said Hamas violated the agreement by failing to provide a list of alive hostages and by not handing over an Israeli woman taken in the October 7 attack. As a result, Israel blocked the crossings into northern Gaza.

Hamas Blames Israel for Delay

In response, Hamas accused Israel of stalling and holding it responsible for the delay. A statement from Hamas called out Israel for not fulfilling its part of the agreement.

Trump's Remarks and Palestinian Fears

On Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the release of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, which had been withheld by his predecessor Joe Biden over civilian casualties concerns. Trump also suggested Egypt and Jordan take more Palestinians from Gaza, describing the region as a "demolition site." "Almost everything is destroyed, and people are dying," he said. Hamas officials expressed concern over Trump’s remarks, fearing that Palestinians could be permanently displaced. "We will not accept offers or solutions under the guise of reconstruction," said Basem Naim, a member of Hamas’s political bureau.

Israeli Military Response

Meanwhile, Israeli soldiers fired warning shots to prevent Palestinians from approaching military positions. Four people were injured in the process, according to Al-Awda Hospital. The Israeli military confirmed they issued warnings but said they were unaware of any harm caused.