Gaza residents' return tied to Arbel Yehoud release: PMO
2 Min Read
Netanyahu's office says Gaza residents can't return until Israeli captive Arbel Yehoud is released, while a Palestinian leader confirms Israeli forces withdrew from the Netzarim axis an hour after the prisoner-captive exchange.
-
Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters are deployed in central Gaza City ahead of the planned release of four Israeli female hostages set to be handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza City on January 25, 2025. (AP)
A Palestinian leader confirmed to Al Mayadeen that one hour after the completion of the prisoner-captive exchange, the Israeli occupation forces must begin their withdrawal from the Netzarim axis.
The leader stated that tens of thousands of displaced people are waiting near the Netzarim axis, hoping to be allowed to return to the northern Gaza Strip.
The leader noted that three countries, Turkiye, Tunisia, and Algeria have agreed to receive some of the prisoners who will be deported outside of Palestine.
'We won't allow the return of Gaza residents before the release of Arbel Yehoud'
A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office threatened that residents of Gaza would not be permitted to return to northern areas "until the release of prisoner Arbel Yehud is arranged."
The office stated that "Israel" received four female soldiers from Hamas today in exchange for the release of security prisoners.
The statement alleged that "Hamas violated the agreement," claiming that today's exchange was meant to include three female soldiers and a female captive named Arbel Yehoud, but that the terms were not followed as expected.
A Hamas official confirmed to Reuters that Yehoud is alive and will be released next Saturday.
Earlier today, Resistance Movement Hamas released four Israeli female soldiers, handing them over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) at Gaza City's Palestine Square.
The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's military wing, delivered the soldiers, dressed in military uniforms, to Red Cross representatives.
The female Israeli soldiers were seen standing alongside Resistance fighters on a platform, where an official handover agreement was signed between a representative from al-Qassam and one from the Red Cross.
The occupation authorities are set to release around 200 Palestinian detainees today in exchange for the four female soldiers who were freed.
Under the ceasefire agreement, the first phase of the three-stage deal is set to last six weeks, during which 33 Israeli captives will be released from Gaza in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.
