Mediator Qatar announced on Monday morning that a significant agreement has been achieved, whereby an Israeli civilian hostage will be released, and Palestinians will be permitted to return to northern Gaza. This development marks a step towards alleviating the ongoing tensions amid the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
According to Qatar’s announcement, Hamas will release civilian hostage Arbel Yehoud along with two other captives before the end of the week. Additionally, starting Monday, Israeli authorities will allow Palestinians to return to northern Gaza. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the release of hostages, which includes soldier Agam Berger, is scheduled for Thursday. The Israeli military has stated that crossings on foot will begin at 7 a.m.
Initially, the ceasefire agreement stipulated that Israel would facilitate the return of Palestinians to their homes in northern Gaza; however, this was delayed due to the situation with Yehoud, who was expected to be freed earlier. Hamas alleged that Israel had breached the terms of the agreement during this period.
In a related development, Egypt firmly opposed any relocation of Palestinians from Gaza or the Israeli-controlled West Bank in response to suggestions from President Donald Trump for Egypt and Jordan to accept Palestinians fleeing the conflict. Egypt’s foreign ministry emphasized that such transfers jeopardize regional stability, escalate conflict, and infringe upon Palestinian rights. The statement highlighted the need for the international community to work towards a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In Israel, families of four female soldiers released from captivity in Gaza expressed their joy and relief. Despite their happiness, they reiterated their commitment to advocating for the release of all hostages. One family member remarked on the emotional impact of the ordeal and expressed disdain for those who opposed the ceasefire agreement. The four women were freed after being held captive for over a year and a half, with Israel reciprocating by releasing 200 Palestinian prisoners.
The Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s office condemned Trump’s suggestion of expelling Palestinian residents from Gaza, which was seen as a haunting reflection of longstanding fears regarding displacement. The Palestinian Authority insists that such policies not only violate Palestinian rights but also threaten regional stability.
France has expressed willingness to consider permitting Israeli companies to participate in the upcoming Paris Air Show, thanks to the recent ceasefire accords. French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed this matter, with Macron also encouraging efforts to expedite the release of remaining hostages and facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza’s residents.
Moreover, a spokesperson for the Islamic Jihad announced that the hostage situation concerning Arbel Yehoud has been resolved, indicating a potential for her early release coinciding with the forthcoming exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. This statement follows accusations by Israel that Hamas had not adhered to the ceasefire terms.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has raised alarms about the ramifications of a potential Israeli closure of its Jerusalem headquarters. The agency highlighted that such a shutdown could severely impact critical services provided to the Palestinian population, including schools and clinics, especially in impoverished areas.
In contrast, certain Israeli far-right officials supported Trump’s remarks about encouraging Palestinian relocation, viewing them as opportunities for “voluntary emigration.” This has been met with outrage from Palestinians and international observers, who perceive these suggestions as indicative of an ethnic cleansing agenda.
Additionally, UNRWA reported an Israeli order requiring its staff to vacate its Jerusalem headquarters by the end of the week, a directive seen as contradictory to international law and the protections afforded to U.N. premises.
In Gaza, senior Hamas figures dismissed Trump’s proposals regarding Palestinian relocation, asserting that the Palestinian people believe they can rebuild their territory effectively without displacement. On the ground, violent incidents continued, with reports confirming casualties from Israeli military actions, including the death of a child during confrontations.
