The Palestinian militant group Hamas will release Israeli civilian Arbel Yehud, soldier Agam Berger, and one other hostage before Friday, Qatar announced on Sunday. In exchange, Israel will allow displaced Palestinians to return to their homes in northern Gaza starting Monday morning.
Qatar’s foreign ministry confirmed that the deal, brokered by Qatar and Egyptian mediators with US support, is part of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The agreement provides for the return of around 650,000 Palestinians who had been displaced to central and southern Gaza due to Israel’s 15-month military offensive.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the imminent release of the hostages, reiterating that Israel will not tolerate any breaches of the agreement. “The Prime Minister reiterates that Israel will not tolerate any violation of the agreement. We will continue to act for the return of all of our hostages, the living and the deceased,” said a statement issued by Netanyahu’s office,” Netanyahu’s office said.
Hamas also announced that it had provided mediators with the required information about the hostages scheduled for release.
The ceasefire, following 15 months of relentless fighting that has killed more than 47,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry, has allowed for a temporary pause in hostilities. However, tensions remain high. Israel had earlier accused Hamas of violating the agreement by failing to release a complete list of hostages and delaying the release of Arbel Yehud, who was taken hostage during the October 2023 Hamas attack.
Thousands of Palestinians, who had been waiting for days at roadblocks with their belongings packed, are now preparing to return to northern Gaza. Vehicles laden with mattresses, food, and tents were a common sight as families expressed relief at the opportunity to return home.
“No sleep, I have everything packed and ready to go with the first light of day,” said Ghada, a mother of five. “At least we are going back home. Now I can say war is over, and I hope it will stay calm.”
The Israeli military announced that Gaza residents could return on foot via the coastal road at 05:00 GMT and by vehicle through the eastern Salahudeen road at 07:00 GMT. However, it warned against approaching Israeli military positions or transporting militants or weapons, which would be considered a violation of the agreement.
“The transfer of militants or weapons via these routes to the northern Gaza Strip will be considered a breach of the agreement. Do not cooperate with any terrorist entity that may try to exploit you to transfer weapons or prohibited materials,” said the military.
This development marks a critical step in the fragile ceasefire, as displaced families hope for a return to normalcy after over a year of living in shelters and encampments. Whether this calm will hold remains uncertain, but for now, thousands of families are eager to return to their homes and start rebuilding their lives
Melissa Enoch
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