Israel Permits Gazans' Return as Hamas Set to Free Six Hostages
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Synopsis
The Israeli government has announced that Hamas will release six hostages this week. Simultaneously, Palestinians in Gaza will be permitted to return to their homes in the northern region starting Monday, following negotiations led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Key Takeaways
- Hamas to free six hostages this week.
- Gazans permitted to return to northern homes.
- Negotiations led by PM Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Israel emphasizes no violations of the agreement.
- Displaced residents allowed back home.
Tel Aviv, Jan 27 (NationPress) The Israeli government has revealed that Hamas will release six hostages this week, while simultaneously allowing Palestinians in Gaza to return to their homes in the northern region starting Monday.
According to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel, “Following vigorous and determined negotiations led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hamas has backtracked and will carry out an additional phase of releasing hostages this Thursday.”
The statement specified that civilian Arbel Yehud, soldier Agam Berger, and another hostage will be released on Thursday, with three more hostages scheduled for release on Saturday. Moreover, Israel mentioned it has received a status list from Hamas regarding all hostages set for release in the first phase of the agreement.
In accordance with the agreement, Israel announced its plan to allow Gazans to return to their homes in the northern part of the Strip starting Monday morning. “Under these agreements, Israel will – from tomorrow morning – allow the passage of Gazans to the northern Strip,” the statement confirmed.
The statement stressed that Israel will not tolerate any breaches of the agreement. “The Prime Minister reiterates that Israel will continue to act for the return of all of our hostages, both living and deceased,” it added.
This announcement follows Israel's prior restrictions on large numbers of Palestinians returning to northern Gaza, citing Hamas’ failure to uphold a truce agreement regarding the release of civilian women hostages.
The release agreement comes after Israel’s earlier decision to free 200 Palestinian prisoners after Hamas released four Israeli female soldiers on Saturday. However, Arbel Yehud, a civilian who was initially slated for release in the second swap, was not among those freed.
Many individuals from northern Gaza had been displaced during the conflict, seeking refuge in temporary shelters in the south. According to the ceasefire-hostage deal, these displaced residents will now be allowed to return home.
