Displaced Palestinians in southern and central Gaza wondered on Saturday when Israel would allow them to return to their homes in the northern part of the territory, as Israel and Hamas disputed the implementation of a cease-fire deal.
Israel will block movement into northern Gaza until plans are made to free Arbel Yehud, one of the last civilian women held captive in Gaza, the Israeli prime minister's office said.
Israeli officials said the deal called for Ms. Yehud's release on Saturday. They suggested that they believe he was not arrested by Hamas, and that the arrest was not solely Hamas's responsibility.
Hamas accused Israel of hesitating to implement the ceasefire agreement. The dispute was one of the most significant between the two sides since the ceasefire took effect a week ago.
Many Palestinians were left in a state of anxious anticipation as they already packed their belongings, including kitchen utensils, clothing and mattress pads.
Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are eager to return to their homes in northern Gaza after months of enduring deplorable conditions in makeshift shelters, schools, and the homes of friends and relatives.
As of Saturday evening, neither Hamas nor the Israeli prime minister's office had publicly announced plans for Yehud's release.
It was not clear what exactly Israel needed to happen for Ms. Yehud's release to be considered an arrangement, but Hamas has confirmed which hostages will be released to Israel in the past by sending lists to Israel through intermediaries.
The cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas states that the Israeli army must withdraw eastward on the seventh day of the agreement, after which displaced Palestinians can begin to return to their homes. Although Saturday was the seventh day of the deal, the Hamas-run government media office said earlier this week that people would be allowed to return on Sunday.
Avichai Adraee, the Israeli army's Arab spokesman, wrote on social media on Saturday that access to the corridor linking central Gaza with the north is still prohibited, with no indication of when this would change.
Palestinians in Gaza expressed frustration as they await a decision.
“Everyone is worried and cautious,” said displaced Ibrahim Abdulwahed, 40, in the center of Deir al-Balah. He expressed hope that Israel and Hamas will solve the problem.
Others said their excitement to return home was mixed with fears about the devastation they would face after 15 months of Israeli bombardment.
“My husband and I have been looking forward to this day, but I can't help but fear the huge destruction we will see on our way back,” said Noor Qasim, a 22-year-old displaced person in Nuseyrat. in central Gaza.