In a significant development in the ongoing conflict, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that Hamas is poised to release six hostages, including Arbel Yehud, this week. The announcement also includes Israel's decision to allow Gaza residents to return to their homes in the northern region starting this Monday. This decision comes after prolonged negotiations, in which the release of hostages has been a focal point.
Over the weekend, Hamas released four soldiers but notably withheld releasing Ms. Yehud, who has been at the center of controversy regarding the terms of the ceasefire. Israel has accused Hamas of violating the established ceasefire agreement, which stipulated the release of Israeli civilians before Palestinian prisoners.
The ceasefire, which was implemented on January 19, has facilitated the release of a total of seven hostages and more than 200 Palestinian prisoners to date. Images from Gaza depict thousands of displaced Palestinians currently waiting at the military blockade for permission to progress to northern Gaza, with many gathering at the Netzarim Corridor, a critical road under Israeli control.
The upcoming hostages’ release is set to occur in two parts: on Friday, Ms. Yehud along with two other hostages will be freed, followed by three additional hostages on Saturday, as confirmed by Netanyahu and Qatar, which has played a mediating role in the negotiations.
In a show of goodwill, Israel has also announced that in conjunction with the hostage release, more Palestinian prisoners will be set free later in the week, facilitating a gradual return to normalcy for affected Gazan residents.
