Qatar-Brokered Deal Eases Ceasefire Crisis In Gaza

Displaced Palestinians warm themselves by a fire near a roadblock, as they wait to return to their homes in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, days after the ceasefire deal be

Qatar has declared that a significant breakthrough has been achieved in the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The agreement involves the release of an Israeli civilian hostage, Arbel Yehoud, and two other hostages by Hamas before Friday. Additionally, Palestinians will be permitted to return to northern Gaza starting Monday.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the hostage release, including soldier Agam Berger, will take place on Thursday. Israel's military announced that Palestinians can begin crossing into northern Gaza on foot at 7 a.m. on Monday.

Following the ceasefire deal, Israel was supposed to allow Palestinians to return to northern Gaza on Saturday. However, this was delayed due to the situation involving Yehoud, who Israel claimed should have been released earlier. Hamas accused Israel of breaching the agreement.

Hostages, including Arbel Yehoud, to be released by Hamas.

Qatar facilitated a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Palestinians allowed to return to northern Gaza starting Monday.

Israeli forces fired on Palestinians despite the ceasefire.

US President Trump's resettlement proposal faced opposition.

Hamas provided a list of hostages for release.

Ceasefire aims to end the 15-month war started by Hamas.

Efforts ongoing to ensure safety and well-being of all parties.

Ceasefire's first phase involves releasing hostages and prisoners.

Second phase of ceasefire negotiations yet to be determined.

Furthermore, Hamas disclosed that they have provided a list of all hostages to be released in the initial six-week phase of the ceasefire. The Israeli prime minister's office acknowledged receiving this information.

Tragically, two individuals were killed, and nine others were wounded when Israeli forces fired on a crowd of Palestinians waiting to move north through the Netzarim corridor in Gaza. The incident occurred despite the ongoing ceasefire.

U.S. President Donald Trump's suggestion of temporarily resettling most of Gaza's population in other countries was met with strong opposition from Egypt, Jordan, and the Palestinians. Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim emphasized that Palestinians would never accept such a proposal and expressed confidence in Gaza's ability to rebuild if Israel lifts its blockade.

The ceasefire, which commenced last Sunday, aims to end the 15-month war initiated by Hamas in October 2023. The first phase of the ceasefire involves the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, with the second phase yet to be negotiated.

As the delicate ceasefire continues, efforts are being made to navigate the complexities of the conflict and ensure the safety and well-being of all parties involved.