Palestinians Begin Return to North Gaza Following Hostage Release Agreement -

Palestinians have begun returning to the northern regions of Gaza following an announcement from Israel that a deal had been reached with Hamas for the release of six hostages this week. This development comes after ongoing negotiations and tensions over the hostage situation. Among the hostages is Arbel Yehud, an Israeli civilian at the heart of a controversy, as her release had not been secured.

While Hamas released four Israeli soldiers on Saturday, the absence of Ms. Yehud’s release led to accusations from Israel that Hamas had violated the ceasefire agreement. Under the terms of the ceasefire deal, Israeli civilians were supposed to be freed first, in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. However, the failure to release Yehud as part of the ongoing negotiations has raised concerns and tensions.

Since the ceasefire came into effect, a total of seven hostages have been freed, along with just under 300 Palestinian prisoners. Despite some delays and disagreements over the implementation of the deal, the return of Palestinians to the north of Gaza marks a crucial moment in the ongoing conflict and peace efforts.

Footage has shown thousands of displaced Palestinians walking northward after they were previously blocked by a military barrier two days earlier. This movement follows the ceasefire and hostage-prisoner release deal that came into effect on January 19. Since then, two exchanges of hostages and prisoners have been completed.

In the third exchange, Hamas is set to release Arbel Yehud and two other hostages on Thursday, followed by the release of three more hostages on Saturday, according to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Qatar, which has acted as a mediator in the talks. In return, Israel will begin to allow Palestinians to move north on Monday, with further releases of Palestinian prisoners expected later in the week. This agreement signals a gradual step toward easing tensions and facilitating the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza.

Courtesy: BBC News

As the ceasefire and negotiations continue, the movement of displaced Palestinians marks a critical development in the ongoing situation. The footage showing thousands of people walking north highlights the urgency of the situation for those seeking refuge and safety in the northern parts of Gaza. The military barrier that had previously obstructed their progress was finally lifted, allowing them to continue their journey.

The ceasefire, which went into effect on January 19, has so far facilitated two successful exchanges of hostages and prisoners. The third exchange, expected to take place this week, is a significant step in the ongoing peace process. On Thursday, Hamas is expected to release Arbel Yehud, an Israeli civilian who had been at the center of much controversy, along with two other hostages. Then, on Saturday, three more hostages are set to be freed. These actions are part of a broader agreement aimed at de-escalating tensions in the region.

In exchange for these hostages’ release, Israel has agreed to permit the movement of Palestinians to the northern areas of Gaza, where many had been displaced due to the ongoing conflict. This shift is seen as a sign of progress in the negotiations, with Israel also committing to releasing additional Palestinian prisoners later in the week.

The role of Qatar as a mediator has been critical in these negotiations, helping to broker the ceasefire and facilitate the release of prisoners on both sides. As the situation evolves, the hope is that these exchanges can create momentum for broader peace efforts and contribute to the long-term stability of the region.

Despite the progress made, challenges remain, as the parties involved continue to negotiate the terms of future releases and the broader issue of humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict. Nonetheless, the ongoing exchanges have brought a glimmer of hope for many who have been displaced, offering them a chance to return home and reunite with their families.

Under the terms of the ceasefire agreement, Palestinians were initially scheduled to be allowed to travel north of the Netzarim Corridor, a seven-kilometer (4.3 miles) strip of land controlled by Israel, which separates north Gaza from the rest of the territory. The agreement, however, saw delays, with the movement set to begin on Saturday but delayed as the situation unfolded.

Earlier, images showed massive crowds of displaced Palestinians gathered at the checkpoint, waiting for permission to pass through. Tensions were high, as many had been stranded for days, desperate to return to their homes or find refuge in safer areas.

“We’re sleeping in the streets,” said Nireem Musabeh, a 42-year-old woman who spoke to the BBC from the checkpoint on Sunday. “We can’t go home and every time we try to go home, they shoot at us.” Musabeh had traveled from Deir al-Balah in central Gaza but had been displaced from her home in Shejaiya, a district in southern Gaza that had been heavily affected by the conflict.

Her words reflect the deep frustration and distress of many who, despite the ceasefire agreement, found themselves caught in limbo, unable to return home due to ongoing hostilities and military barriers. The harsh conditions, compounded by a lack of basic resources, have left many families living in overcrowded and unsafe conditions while they wait for the situation to stabilize.

The checkpoint became a symbol of the larger humanitarian crisis, as thousands of families found themselves in a constant state of uncertainty, unsure of when they would be able to return to the northern regions of Gaza. As the ceasefire deal progresses and Israel begins allowing movement north, it is hoped that these displaced individuals can finally return to their homes and begin rebuilding their lives, though challenges remain.

Courtesy: ABC 7 Chicago

Diab Shehbari, a displaced Palestinian, shared his harrowing experience of waiting at the checkpoint since 20:30 local time (18:30 GMT) on Saturday. He described the conditions of the night, where his children cried due to the cold. To provide some warmth and comfort, he said, “We lit a fire and covered them.”

Israel announced that it would allow residents to return to the northern Gaza Strip starting at 07:00 local time (05:00 GMT) on Monday. Two hours later, vehicles would be allowed to pass, once the dispute over the release of Arbel Yehud was resolved.

Qatari and Egyptian mediators, who have been facilitating talks between Israel and Hamas, played a key role in resolving the disagreement. A breakthrough was announced by Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman just moments before Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed the development.

Israel had asked the mediators to provide proof from Hamas confirming that Arbel Yehud was still alive. The BBC understands that this proof was reportedly given to the Egyptian mediators as early as Saturday evening.

Meanwhile, earlier on Sunday, US President Donald Trump suggested that Egypt and Jordan should take in Palestinians from Gaza, which he referred to as a “demolition site.” This proposal was met with opposition, as both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority condemned it, and both Jordan and Egypt rejected the idea.

The ceasefire deal reached in January halted the war that had started when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. The violence resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the taking of 251 hostages who were brought back to Gaza. On the other side, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports that more than 47,200 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed in Israel’s offensive.