In a significant move toward easing tensions, Israel announced on Monday that it will allow Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, following a new breakthrough in hostage negotiations with Hamas.
In a statement from the Israeli prime minister's office, it was confirmed that three Israeli civilian hostages will be released in an unscheduled handover on Thursday. Concurrently, Palestinians displaced over the 15-month-old conflict will be allowed to return to their homes in northern Gaza starting Monday morning.
Under a ceasefire agreement that took effect on January 19, Israel was expected to begin allowing Palestinians to return to northern Gaza on January 25. However, the process was delayed when the release of Arbel Yehud, a female civilian hostage, was postponed. Yehud was initially set to be freed on Saturday during the second hostage swap.
Israel stated on Saturday that it would not permit Palestinians to return to northern Gaza until Yehud's release was secured.
Yehud, now scheduled for release on Thursday along with female observer soldier Agam Berger and another unnamed abductee, is part of an addition to the swap already planned for the coming Saturday, during which three hostages are expected to be freed.
To date, seven Israeli women have been released by Hamas as part of the ceasefire agreement. Israel has also received from Hamas a list detailing the status of the 26 hostages slated for release by the end of the six-week phase one of the agreement.
The Israeli military issued a statement informing Gaza residents that they would be permitted to return on foot via the coastal road at 0500 GMT and by vehicles through the eastern Salahudeen road at 0700 GMT. The statement cautioned residents against approaching Israeli forces' positions.
Hamas hailed the return of Gazans to the north of the devastated territory as a victory against what it termed plans for the forced displacement of Palestinians. \"The return of the displaced is a victory for our people and signals the failure and defeat of the plans for occupation and displacement,\" Hamas declared as thousands of Gazans moved northward after Israel lifted travel restrictions.
Hamas's ally, Islamic Jihad, echoed this sentiment, calling it a \"response to all those who dream of displacing our people.\"
(With input from agencies)
Reference(s):
Israel allows return of Gazans after new hostage breakthrough
cgtn.com
