Tel aviv: The Israeli government approved a plan Sunday to cease funding housing for Israelis who were evacuated from Gaza border settlements following the October 2023 Hamas attacks. The local Yedioth Ahronoth daily reported that the evacuees have been given until the end of July to return to their homes.
According to Anadolu Agency, the decision, approved through a phone poll vote, will terminate temporary housing arrangements for evacuees from 12 communities that were severely impacted by the attacks led by Hamas. Israeli military officials have confirmed that as of July 1, there are no security restrictions preventing residents from returning to these areas.
The settlements affected include Be'eri, Holit, Kissufim, Kfar Aza, Kerem Shalom, Nahal Oz, Nirim, Nir Yitzhak, Nir Oz, Netiv HaAsara, Sufa, and Ein HaShlosha, as reported by the Tekuma Authority, which is responsible for the rehabilitation of border communities. Since the conflict began, tens of thousands of residents had been relocated to hotels and apartments in central Israel.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has criticized the government's decision, arguing that it contradicts the rationale provided for the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The group stated, "If there's no security restriction to returning to the border area, then there's no justification to prolong the war."
The forum further argued that the government's actions demonstrate that the threat from Gaza has diminished, urging for a comprehensive agreement to secure the release of all 50 Israeli hostages, of whom 20 are believed to be alive.
Tel Aviv estimates that there are currently 50 Israeli hostages in Gaza. Meanwhile, more than 10,400 Palestinians are held in Israeli prisons, facing conditions such as torture, starvation, and medical neglect, according to reports from Palestinian and Israeli human rights organizations and media outlets.
Despite international calls for a ceasefire, the Israeli army has continued its offensive against Gaza since October 2023, resulting in over 56,500 Palestinian deaths, the majority of whom are women and children.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions against civilians in the enclave.