Displaced Palestinians in southern and central Gaza are stuck in a tense waiting game as Israel and Hamas argue over the release of Arbel Yehud, one of the last civilian women held captive in Gaza. The dispute has put a hold on plans to allow thousands of Palestinians to return to their homes in the north.

Israel has made it clear that movement to northern Gaza won’t happen until arrangements are finalized for Yehud’s release. Officials claim she was supposed to be freed on Saturday, but the delay suggests complications beyond Hamas’s control. Meanwhile, Hamas has accused Israel of dragging its feet on implementing the cease-fire agreement, marking one of the biggest disagreements since the truce began a week ago.

For many Palestinians, the delay adds to their frustration. Hundreds of thousands have been living in makeshift shelters, schools, and relatives’ homes for months, eagerly anticipating the chance to return to their neighborhoods—even if those areas are now in ruins after months of intense bombing. Families have already packed their belongings, from kitchen supplies to mattresses, ready to head back.

As of Saturday evening, neither side had announced concrete plans for Yehud’s release. Hamas has previously shared lists of hostages to be freed through mediators, but it’s unclear what steps are needed to move forward this time. The cease-fire agreement states that the Israeli military should withdraw eastward on the seventh day, allowing displaced Palestinians to return. However, despite Saturday being the seventh day, no progress was made.

The uncertainty has left many feeling anxious. “Everyone is worried and cautious,” said Ibrahim Abdulwahed, a displaced man in Deir al-Balah. Others, like Nour Qasim, a 22-year-old from Nuseirat, are torn between excitement and fear. “I’ve been waiting for this day, but I’m scared of the destruction I’ll see,” she shared.

For now, the corridor linking central Gaza to the north remains off-limits, leaving displaced families in limbo as they hope for a resolution.