Israel to Release Hostages as Gazans Prepare to Return Home

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that six hostages will be released by Hamas this week, including civilian Arbel Yehud, amid ongoing negotiations. The announcement comes as Israel prepares to allow displaced Gazans to return to their homes in northern Gaza starting Monday.

The decision follows Hamas's release of four soldiers on Saturday, leading to allegations that the group breached the ceasefire agreement, which stipulated that Israeli civilians should be freed first in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Since the ceasefire was put into effect on January 19, a total of seven hostages and over 200 prisoners have been exchanged.

Thousands of Palestinians have been gathered at a military barrier for two days, awaiting permission to return north of the Netzarim Corridor, a strip of land separating northern Gaza from other areas. According to reports, the mediated talks led by Qatari and Egyptian officials have facilitated the upcoming releases. Netanyahu revealed that the confirmation of Arbel Yehud's well-being had been communicated to Egyptian authorities.

The ceasefire agreement was established after the conflict sparked by Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli fatalities and substantial casualties on both sides, with over 47,200 Palestinian deaths reported by Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.

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