Hamas to release six hostages as Palestinians to be allowed to return to Northern Gaza, Israel confirms
26 January 2025, 22:31 | Updated: 27 January 2025, 09:59
Hamas will release a further six hostages this week and Israel will allow Palestinians to return to their homes in Northern Gaza on Monday.
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It comes after four Israeli soldiers were released in the second part of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
This week's hostage release will include Arbel Yehud - the woman who Israel say must be released before they allow Palestinians to return to their homes in Northern Gaza.
So far, seven hostages and more than 200 Palestinian prisoners have been exchanged between Hamas and Israel.
This week will see Ms Yehud and two other hostages released before a further three are exchanged on Saturday.
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Three Israeli hostages arrive in Israel as fragile ceasefire passes first hurdle
Thousands of Palestinians attempting to return to what is left of their homes have been blocked as Israel retains control of the region.
Saturday saw four female IDF soldiers and 200 Palestinian prisoners released in the second stage of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag were handed to the Red Cross, before being taken back to Israel and reunited with their families.
Hundreds of Palestinians gathered at the exchange, celebrating the release of prisoners held by the IDF.
"The four returning hostages are currently being accompanied by IDF special forces and ISA forces on their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment," the IDF said in a statement.
"The commanders and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces salute and embrace the returning hostages as they make their way home to the state of Israel."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he "embraces" the release of the four soldiers.
He said: "The Israeli government is committed to the return of all abducted and missing persons."The government, together with all security agencies, will accompany them and their families."
After the four women were handed over, IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said: "Our mission is not over until every Israeli hostage comes home."
