The IDF has clarified that comments attributed to Brig. Gen. Itzik Cohen, commander of the 162nd Division, in a recent report by The Guardian, was taken out of context. The British newspaper had mistakenly quoted Cohen as saying that Palestinian civilians in northern Gaza would be prevented from returning to their homes and that no humanitarian aid would be delivered.

According to the IDF, Cohen’s remarks were misinterpreted. He had explained that civilians evacuated from the Jabalia area, a site of ongoing IDF operations against Hamas, would not be allowed to return temporarily, to protect them and facilitate military efforts. This restriction applies specifically to those displaced from Jabalia, not the entire northern Gaza region, as was suggested by The Guardian.

The majority of the estimated 55,000 displaced individuals have moved to Gaza City, while the IDF also plans to evacuate civilians from other northern towns, including Beit Lahiya. These civilians will also be unable to return until military operations against Hamas are concluded. The timeline for these operations remains unclear.

Since the start of the ground offensive, the IDF has not permitted Palestinians who evacuated to southern Gaza to return to northern parts of the Strip. The army emphasized that the restrictions are aimed at safeguarding civilians and ensuring the effectiveness of military operations.