In a significant development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Hamas is set to release six hostages this week, including Arbel Yehud, a civilian who has become a focal point in the negotiations. The announcement comes alongside a decision to permit displaced Gazans to return to their homes in northern Gaza starting Monday.
Hamas had previously released four soldiers but faced criticism for not releasing Yehud, prompting accusations from Israel that the militant group was violating the ceasefire agreement. Under the terms of the deal, Israeli civilians were to be prioritized for release before Palestinian prisoners. Since the ceasefire was enacted on January 19, a total of seven hostages and over 200 Palestinian prisoners have been freed.
Reports have surfaced of hundreds of displaced Palestinians congesting at a military barrier, awaiting access to the northern regions of Gaza. Images depict overwhelming crowds trying to cross the Netzarim Corridor, which is under Israeli military control and positions the line between northern and southern Gaza.
The ongoing negotiations in Qatar have facilitated this exchange, with Ms. Yehud along with two other hostages slated for release on Friday, and three more set to follow the next day, as confirmed by both Netanyahu and Qatari mediators. As the situation evolves, more Palestinian prisoners are also expected to be released later in the week, marking a critical phase in the ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
