Hamas is set to release six hostages this week, as announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Among them is Arbel Yehud, a civilian whose situation has caused a delay in allowing Gazans to return to northern Gaza.
In the recent exchange, Hamas freed four soldiers on Saturday, withholding the release of Ms. Yehud, leading to Israeli accusations of violating the ceasefire terms. Since the ceasefire came into effect, a total of seven hostages and over 200 prisoners have been freed.
Reports indicate that thousands of displaced Palestinians are currently gathered at a military barricade preventing their entry into northern Gaza for the past two days.
According to the ceasefire agreement initiated on January 19, Israel will gradually permit Palestinians to travel north, starting on Monday. Netanyahu and Qatar, the mediator, have outlined the schedule for the remaining hostage releases, culminating in the return of all hostages by the weekend.
Despite the ongoing tensions, Israel has confirmed the gradual opening of the northern Gaza Strip on Monday morning after resolving the dispute involving Ms. Yehud. With mediation efforts from Qatar and Egypt, the impasse was finally resolved, allowing for the restoration of movement and release of detainees.