The Palestinian group Hamas will release female Israeli civilian Arbel Yehud, soldier Agam Berger, and another hostage before Friday, mediator Qatar announced on Sunday. In return, Israel will allow displaced residents of northern Gaza to begin returning home on Monday morning.
Qatar’s foreign ministry confirmed the arrangement, stating that it was brokered with the assistance of Egypt and backed by the US. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also confirmed the deal, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to bringing home all hostages, both living and deceased. “The Prime Minister reiterates that Israel will not tolerate any violation of the agreement,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.
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Hamas announced it had provided mediators with the required list of hostages set for release under the first phase of the fragile ceasefire agreement. The deal is expected to enable around 650,000 Palestinians, displaced to central and southern Gaza, to return to northern areas devastated by 15 months of conflict. The Gaza health ministry reports more than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed in the fighting.
The Israeli military stated that Palestinians would be allowed to return on foot via the coastal road at 05:00 GMT and by vehicle along the Salahudeen road at 07:00 GMT. It warned that the transport of weapons or fighters would be considered a violation of the agreement.