Israel lifts blockade: Gazans begin returning to their homes
Following Hamas's release of three Israeli hostages, the Israeli siege on northern Gaza has been lifted. After Israel removed the barricades, tens of thousands of Palestinians began returning to northern Gaza today (January 27).
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Footage from Gaza showed large crowds walking toward the north. Gazans began passing through the first 'crossing point' opened by Israel at around 07:00 local time. Under the terms of the ceasefire agreement, Israel was to withdraw from the occupied area known as the 'Philadelphia Corridor.' With the removal of the barricades this morning, it was noted that Israel has also begun its withdrawal maneuvers.
According to the terms of the ceasefire agreement, residents of northern Gaza were supposed to return over the weekend. However, Israel had stated that it would keep the crossings closed, claiming that Hamas had violated the agreement by not releasing civilian hostage Arbel Yehud. Following Yehud's release, the barricades were removed.
According to a Reuters report, Qatari mediators announced late Sunday that Hamas had agreed to release Yehud and two other hostages before Friday.
In return, it was announced that Israel would allow displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza starting Monday morning.
CONFIRMATION FROM NETANYAHU
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Sunday that Yehud, soldier Agam Berger, and one other hostage would be released by Hamas.
A statement issued by Netanyahu's office said:
''The Prime Minister reiterates that Israel will not tolerate any violation of the agreement. We will continue to work for the return of all our hostages, both living and deceased.''
In a post on X, Netanyahu stated that he would allow families displaced from Gaza to return to their homes in the north of the Palestinian territory starting Monday morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu