Israeli hostages: Benjamin Netanyahu secures additional early releases, Palestinians to return to north Monday
Hamas is preparing to release six Israeli hostages this week after what the Israeli Government has called “vigorous and determined negotiations”.
The release, which will include civilian Arbel Yehud, soldier Adam Berger and an additional hostage, will now include three additional hostages after Hamas “backtracked”, bringing forward additional releases.
Confirming the development on Sunday evening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said: ”Following the conducting of vigorous and determined negotiations led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hamas has backtracked and will carry out an additional phase of releasing hostages this Thursday.”
Mr Netanyahu’s office confirmed it is now in possession of a list that includes the status of all hostages that are to be released in the first phase.
“Under these agreements, Israel will – from tomorrow morning – allow the passage of Gazans to the northern Strip,” the statement added.
Mr Netanyahu said on X that Israel will allow displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza starting Monday morning.
Mediator Qatar said an agreement was reached to release Israeli civilian hostages and allow Palestinians to return to northern Gaza. The deal eases the first major crisis of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
According to Qatar’s statement early on Monday, Hamas will hand over civilian hostage Yehoud, along with two other hostages before Friday. And on Monday, Israeli authorities will allow Palestinians to return to northern Gaza.
“The Prime Minister reiterates that Israel will not tolerate any violation of the agreement. We will continue to act for the return of all of our hostages, the living and the deceased,” Mr Netanyahu’s statement warned.
On Saturday, four hostages were released by Hamas.
Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag were all freed, after being held for over 15 months.
Israel believes Hamas is holding over 80 hostages, with just only 50 of those believed to be alive.
– With Reuters, AP
#Israeli #hostages #Benjamin #Netanyahu #secures #additional #early #releases #Palestinians #return #north #Monday