Thousands of Palestinians return to north Gaza after deal reached for civilian hostage
Thousands of displaced Palestinians are returning to northern Gaza after a dispute between Hamas and Israel delayed their passage. The agreement to release hostages led to the movement, but many returnees will find their homes destroyed by intense bombardment.
This morning, thousands of displaced Palestinians are returning to northern Gaza after delays caused by a dispute between Hamas and Israel.
Initially , Palestinians were set to travel north of the Netzarim Corridor on Saturday.Over the weekend , large crowds gathered , waiting to pass through the seven-kilometer strip controlled by Israel that separates north Gaza from the rest of the territory. However, Israel halted the passage when Hamas failed to release civilian hostage Arbel Yehud.
An agreement has now been reached , with Hamas providing proof of Yehud's life to Egyptian mediators and agreeing to release her and two other hostages on Thursday.
At 07:00 in Gaza(05:00 GMT), thousands of Palestinians began returning north.It is estimated that more than half a million Plaestinians in southern Gaza have been waiting to see what remains of their homes in North.Despite Israel's allowance for movement , the situation remains chaotic , with many returning to find their homes destroyed by intense bombardment.
Hamas stated it would release three hostages on Thursday, including the 28 year old civilian, Arbel Yehud , believed to be held by Islamic Jihad. An additional three hostages are set to be released on Saturday in exchange for numerous Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
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