With Israel allowing displaced Palestinians to return to north Gaza, the US and Egyptian security contractors deployed at checkpoints are looking for potential weaponry smuggled by Hamas operatives and their supporters.
The contractors deployed as part of an Egyptian-Qatari committee to carry out the ceasefire deal are running the checkpoints on the Salah a-Din Road. A US private security company is also aiding the Egyptian security personnel who were seen donning black jackets. The jackets read 'Egyptian-Qatari Committee'.
We are the rightful OWNERS of this land; we will REBUILD it at any cost. This is the difference between us and the occupier, Palestine will be free again. ✌️🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/DGgERUiDJH
— Martyrs of Gaza (@GazaMartyrs) January 27, 2025
The checkpoints are equipped with scanners to check for concealed weapons in vehicles. These are located in the Netzarim corridor that divides Gaza's north from the south. Once they arrive, the passengers are required to alight while the driver has to take the vehicle to an inspection point.
This comes amid warning drone strikes by the Israeli Defence Forces after a tractor tried to bypass the checkpoints and push through a barrier in Nuseirat. In another case, IDF troops fire at a suspect who approached them even after warning shots were fired. Hamas operatives toting weapons were seen among Palestinians travelling on foot, according to the Times of Israel.
Israel has agreed to allow Hamas police to deployed in certain areas of Gaza where IDF troops are not located, according to BBC. Donning blue uniforms, these police personnel are allowed to carry weapons. In case of conflicts, the contractors of the Egyptian-Qatari committee are tasked with mediating between the two sides.
Hamas is scheduled to release three hostages on Thursday, including civilian Arbel Yehoud, surveillance soldier Agam Berger and a third unidentified person. Yehoud is currently held by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Of the 26 hostages to be handed over to Israel, only 18 are alive.
