Israel has confirmed that Hamas will release Arbel Yehud, Agam Berger, and an additional hostage on Thursday, as part of an early phase of the negotiated deal. By the end of the week, six hostages in total are expected to return to Israel.
Amid withdrawal from the Netzarim corridor in central Gaza, IDF forces are repositioning around the Gaza Strip, constructing series of permanent defensive outposts. Simultaneously, tens of thousands of Palestinians have begun moving back to northern Gaza.
The northern ceasefire, which commenced on November 27 and extended for 60 days until Saturday, included Hezbollah's commitment to withdraw north of the Litani River. In exchange, Israel was expected to complete its withdrawal beyond the Blue Line – the internationally recognized border.
Netanyahu's inner circle has been communicating that the military campaign against Hamas has not reached a permanent end, noting the conditions in which operations could resume in full force.
"A defeated Hezbollah is exploiting its media platforms to challenge Lebanese interests and deflect attention from its leadership's transgressions that have brought southern Lebanon to this situation," IDF says.
They watched the protests calling for their release on Al Jazeera, and spoke Arabic with their captors. After nearly a full day back in Israel, details are emerging about the harrowing reality of 477 days in Gaza.
On October 7, Keith and Aviva Siegel were abducted from their home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza. After 51 days, Aviva was released in the first hostage deal, but Keith remained in Gaza. In April 2024, a video confirmed he was alive, in which he said, 'It's very important to me that you know I'm okay.'
"I'd like Egypt to take people," Trump said, according to Associated Press. "You're talking about probably a million and a half people, and we just clean out that whole thing and say, 'You know, it's over.'"
On Saturday, Israel announced it would not allow passage to northern parts of the Gaza Strip until hostage Arbel Yehoud (29) was released as previously agreed. On Sunday, throngs tried to cross, forcing the IDF to fire warning shots skyward and resort to aimed fire to disperse the crowds.
Smiling and dressed in improvised Hamas uniforms, the four hostages were released by the terrorist organization to the Red Cross after 477 days. Shortly afterward, they were handed over to the IDF.
