A deal brokered by Qatar between Israel and Hamas will see the phased release of additional hostages, beginning Thursday. The agreement also permits the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza, commencing Monday morning.
This agreement is anticipated to alleviate immediate tensions stemming from the fragile ceasefire.
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office stated that following resolute negotiations, Hamas agreed to release hostages Arbel Yehud, soldier Agam Berger, and another hostage this Thursday, with three more releases scheduled for Saturday.
Hamas provided Israel with a list detailing the condition of the hostages slated for initial release; reports indicate this list also specified the number of living and deceased hostages, although names were withheld.
Israeli officials assert that most of the 26 remaining hostages are alive, aligning with Hamas’s provided information.
Under the agreement, Israel will facilitate the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza starting Monday. Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s zero-tolerance policy for violations, vowing continued efforts to secure the return of all hostages, regardless of their status.
The White House concurrently announced that U.S. oversight of the Israel-Lebanon agreement will continue until February 18, 2025, and that negotiations for the return of Lebanese prisoners captured after October 7, 2023, will commence.
This agreement follows accusations against Hamas for altering the planned order of hostage releases, prompting Israel to initially prevent Palestinian return to northern Gaza.
Israel also declared Friday that its withdrawal from southern Lebanon, as stipulated by the ceasefire, would be contingent on the Lebanese government fulfilling its obligations. Both parties were expected to withdraw by Sunday.
Earlier Sunday, the IDF reported using warning shots to deter suspects approaching its troops in southern Lebanon.
These developments follow former President Trump’s suggestion to Egypt and Jordan to accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza.
Trump advocated for Egypt and Jordan to accept a significant number of refugees, stating the need to resolve the situation in Gaza.
Digital’s Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.