Israel's Prime Minister's Office announced that "following firm negotiations, Hamas has agreed to an additional phase of hostage releases scheduled for this Thursday. In this phase, Israeli civilian Arbel Yehud, IDF soldier Agam Berger, and another hostage will be freed."
In conjunction with this agreement, Israel has received a detailed list from Hamas outlining the status of all hostages to be released in the first stage of the deal. The arrangement also includes a provision allowing Palestinians to return to northern Gaza starting Monday morning. Israeli officials have emphasized that no further violations of the agreement will be tolerated.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry announced earlier that understandings were reached during negotiations between Israel and Hamas. In exchange for this additional phase of hostage releases, Israel has agreed to permit displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza to return to the north starting Monday morning. Additionally, a list of 400 Palestinians arrested since October 7 will be provided weekly on Sundays during the first phase of the deal.
Video: Gazans march toward the northern Gaza Strip on Monday, January 27, 2024 / Credit: Arab social media
Earlier in the day, Egyptian news channel Al-Rad quoted an Islamic Jihad official who confirmed that Arbel Yehud would be released before Saturday under the agreement. A Palestinian terrorist official told Arab media that Israel had shown a positive stance under pressure from mediators.
On Saturday, Israel had announced that the northern passage for Gazans would not open until Arbel Yehud was released, in accordance with the agreement. Crowds of Gazans were seen gathering near Al-Rashid Street by the coast, preparing for movement once Hamas fulfills its commitments.
CNN reported Monday that Israeli officials reached out to Steven Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's envoy to the Middle East, urging him to press Hamas to uphold the terms of the agreement and secure the release of Arbel Yehud.
The situation remains fluid, with all eyes on Hamas's compliance and the anticipated return of additional hostages.
