Mediator Qatar says an agreement has been reached to release an Israeli civilian captive and allow Palestinians to return to northern Gaza. The deal eases the first major crisis of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Qatar’s statement early Monday says Hamas will hand over the civilian captive, Arbel Yehoud, along with two other captives before Friday. And on Monday, Israeli authorities will allow Palestinians to return to northern Gaza.
The office of Israel’s prime minister in a statement says the captive release will take place on Thursday and confirms that Palestinians can move north on Monday.
Under the ceasefire, Israel on Saturday was to begin allowing Palestinians to return to their homes in northern Gaza. But Israel put that on hold because of Yehoud, who Israel said should have been released on Saturday.
Hamas accused Israel of violating the agreement.
Thousands of Palestinians have gathered to wait to move north.
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