Israel - Hamas ceasefire: Palestinians return to Gaza after 15 months of conflict

Israel has granted permission for Palestinians to return to northern Gaza on Monday, January 27, marking the first time since the beginning of the 15-month conflict with Hamas. Thousands of Palestinians had been waiting for days to cross the border, as an agreement between Israel and Hamas allowed displaced individuals to return to their homes in the northern Gaza region. Previously, Israel had accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire agreement, preventing the return of Palestinians to the area.

Ceasefire agreement and mediation efforts

The regional interior ministry confirmed that displaced Palestinians had started returning to northern Gaza after a ceasefire agreement brokered by Qatar, which included the release of an Israeli citizen held hostage by Hamas. According to a statement from Qatar on Monday, Hamas committed to releasing civilian hostage Arbel Yehud and two others by Friday, allowing the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed that the release of the hostages would take place on Thursday, and Palestinians would be allowed to head north on Monday. Initially, Israel was scheduled to allow Palestinians to return to their homes in northern Gaza on Saturday. However, the plan was delayed due to the hostage situation involving Yehud, leading to accusations from Hamas that Israel had breached the ceasefire agreement.

Hostage crisis and impact on ceasefire

The ceasefire deal has faced several challenges, including disputes over the timing of hostage releases. Hamas had accused Israel of not adhering to the terms, while Israel emphasized that Yehud should have been released by Saturday. As the ceasefire continues to hold, hostages continue to be released, with the next scheduled release on Saturday, which will include three more hostages.

Toll of the conflict

The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has had a devastating impact, with Hamas militants responsible for the October 7 attacks that killed over 1,200 people, mostly civilians. During a brief ceasefire in November 2023, over 100 individuals were released. Israeli forces have rescued eight hostages and recovered remains of dozens of victims, including three mistakenly killed by Israeli forces.