Palestinians begin returning to north Gaza amid hostage deal

Monday 27 January 2025 - 09:07

Palestinians have started moving back to northern Gaza following an agreement for the release of six hostages by Hamas. This development comes after Israel announced the deal, which includes Arbel Yehud, a civilian at the center of tensions.

Hamas released four soldiers on Saturday but delayed freeing Yehud, prompting accusations from Israel of violating the ceasefire terms, which prioritized civilian hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Since the agreement began, seven hostages and nearly 300 prisoners have been released.

Footage captured thousands of displaced Palestinians walking northward after being blocked for days at a military barrier. The ceasefire, effective since January 19, includes provisions for hostages and prisoners' exchange. Two transfers have already been completed. The third phase will see Yehud and two others freed on Thursday, with three additional hostages to follow on Saturday, according to mediators.

On Monday, Israel began permitting Palestinians to move north and will release more prisoners later in the week. The agreement allows Palestinians to travel beyond the Netzarim Corridor, a strip cutting off northern Gaza. On Sunday, large crowds waited for access, with many stranded in harsh conditions.

“We're sleeping on the streets,” shared a displaced resident, Nireem Musabeh, recounting how repeated attempts to return home were met with gunfire. Diab Shehbari, at the barrier since Saturday evening, described children crying in the cold as families lit fires for warmth.

By Monday morning, Israel reopened access to northern Gaza, with vehicles permitted shortly after. Mediators from Qatar and Egypt facilitated the resolution of disputes, including proof-of-life assurances for Yehud, reportedly provided on Saturday evening.

The ongoing truce halted the war initiated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel. That conflict left over 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken as hostages. Gaza’s health ministry reports that more than 47,200 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have died in Israel's offensive.