This was the final stumbling block in the ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, the mechanism for the return of displaced Palestinians from southern to northern Gaza. The problem was reportedly resolved in the hours before the agreement was signed on January 15.

The belligerents have agreed that displaced persons will be able to return to the north from Saturday, January 25, via the coastal road for people on foot, and via the Salah al-Din road, Gaza's main north-south axis, for people in cars, but subject to inspection in this case. Israel has called for this measure to prevent the return of heavy weapons, such as rockets, to the northern part of the enclave.

Under the terms of the agreement, this inspection is to be carried out by a private player, neither Israeli nor Palestinian, a security company selected by the US, Egypt and Qatar, the states guaranteeing the ceasefire. Its identity was revealed on Thursday, January 23 by the Israeli media. It is a consortium of three companies, two American and one Egyptian, which will be responsible for managing and securing the north-south crossing, currently under the control of the Israeli army.

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