Hamas is set to release six Israeli hostages in two batches this week after displaced Gazans began to return to the Strip’s north. The peace deal between Israel and Hamas looked like having hit another roadblock when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office pointed out that the Islamic outfit was late in sharing the list of remaining hostages in its custody.
However, the first phase of the peace accord began smoothly after the list Tel Aviv demanded was shared by Hamas, who also handed over three female IDF personnel in its captivity to Israel. Despite the delay, the Palestinian organisation revealed the condition of the remaining captives on the list. This prompted Israel to let the war-displaced population reenter northern Gaza through the Netzarim Corridor.
Tens of thousands of Palestinians had waited for two days at roadblocks to return to their homes in northern Gaza, voicing frustration after Israel accused Hamas of breaching a ceasefire agreement and refused to open crossing points.The Israeli military put out a statement telling Gaza residents they would be allowed to return on foot through the coastal road at 0500 GMT, and in vehicles through the eastern Salahudeen road at 0700 GMT.It warned them against approaching Israeli forces' positions.
According to Jewish media reports, IDF personnel Agam Berger was named among the three hostages to be released by Hamas on Thursday. Arbel Yehoud, a civilian woman who was taken to Gaza by Hamas on October 7 and another Israeli would be released alongside Berger, Times Of Israel said in a report.
However, there was no solid information on the three hostages to reach their homeland on Thursday. It is expected that US citizen Keith Siegel could find himself on the second list along with two others although Israel had asked its rival to prioritise the release of civilian women from its tunnels.
For every Israeli being released by the Hamas, 30 Palestinian political prisoners are gaining their freedom. For the release of Berger, Hamas wanted the release of 50 of their own, a demand Netayanhu's government agreed to.
