Six hostages to be freed and Gazans to be allowed north

Hamas will release six hostages this week and Israel will allow Ghazan to return to homes in the north from Monday, says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Among the hostages is Arbel Yehud – the civilian in the middle of the line that led to Israel delaying Ghazan’s return to northern Gaza.

Hamas released four soldiers on Saturday, but not Ms. Yehud. Israel accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire deal under which Israeli civilians were released first in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners.

Since the ceasefire deal entered into, seven hostages and more than 200 prisoners have been released.

Thousands of displaced Palestinians trying to reach northern Gaza gathered at a military checkpoint, blocking their progress for two days.

The ceasefire, hostage and prisoner deal entered into force on January 19. The two exchanges have been completed.

On the third, Hamas will release Ms. Yehud and two other hostages on Friday, followed by three more on Saturday, Netanyahu and Qatar, which mediated the talks, said.

Israel will begin allowing Palestinians to move north on Monday, as well as freeing more Palestinian prisoners later in the week.

Under the terms of the ceasefire agreement, Palestinians were to be allowed to travel north of the Netzarim Corridor, a strip of land seven kilometers (4.3 miles) from Israeli-controlled territory that cuts off northern Gaza from the rest of the territory, on Saturday.

Pictures show huge crowds waiting to pass.

Qatari and Egyptian mediators who facilitated talks between Israel and Hamas participated in efforts to resolve the row over Ms. Yehud. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman announced the breakthrough moments before the Israeli Prime Minister.

Israel had asked Hamas mediators to prove that Mrs. Yehud was alive. This appears to have been given to the Egyptians early on Saturday evening, the BBC understands.

The January ceasefire deal stopped the war that began when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. About 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken to Gaza hostage.

The Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza says more than 47,200 Palestinians, the majority civilians, have been killed in Israel’s offensive.