Israel Considers a Plan to Return Southern Town Residents to Their Homes
(AWP) - The Israeli Prime Minister’s office and the Finance Ministry announced an agreement with the leaders of local councils in southern Israel over plans allowing residents of southern towns to return home, the Times of Israel reported.
“The return of these residents who were evacuated after the attack by Palestinian factions on October 7 will take place in coordination with the army,” the paper said, quoting a joint statement from the Prime Minister’s office and the Finance Ministry.
According to the statement, residents who do not wish to return to their homes may get funding to stay in hotels until July 7.
Ur Bolig, one of the residents of the Gaza Envelope who was displaced to Haifa, said the return of displaced people to their hometowns was linked to the release of those taken hostage by the Palestinian factions in Gaza.
He said, “The displaced cannot be returned to their evacuated homes without bringing back the abducted. We hope those who survived are in good health and peace. Without that, there can be nothing to talk about. The Prime Minister said that the objectives of the war were to eliminate Hamas and bring the captives back. Without their return, anything else will be a disaster.”
Galy, an activist opposing moves to return settlers to the Gaza Envelope, said she believes the most concerning issue is the developments on the northern borders where no specific date has been set for return.
She added, “There is no possibility of returning to homes and schools. The state has more than 100,000 displaced people without houses or schools. This government has neglected all citizens.”
The activist emphasised that a political solution would be the only way to end the crisis.
She said, “We hope everything will come to an end and the citizens can return to their homes. We hope for a political solution because only this can offer both sides the chance to live in peace.”