Israel, Hamas reach deal to release hostages and allow Palestinians to return to Gaza Strip
Share and Follow

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced Sunday that an agreement has been reached with Hamas to release additional hostages starting this Thursday, while also allowing Palestinians to return to the northern part of the Gaza Strip beginning Monday morning.

Qatar helped mediate the agreement, which is expected to ease the first major crisis of the fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.

“After firm and determined negotiations led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, Hamas has backed down and will conduct an additional phase of hostage releases this coming Thursday,” Netanyahu’s office said. “As part of this phase, Israeli citizen Arbel Yehud, soldier Agam Berger, and one additional hostage will be released.”

The statement also noted that three additional hostages will be released on Saturday as part of the agreement.

Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago estate

President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago estate back in July. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The disputes came just after President Donald Trump called for Egypt and Jordan to accept refugees from Gaza to “clean out” the region.

“I’d like Egypt to take people,” Trump said. “You’re talking about probably a million and a half people, and we just clean out that whole thing and say, ‘You know, it’s over.'”

Trump said he applauded Jordan for accepting Palestinian refugees but that he told the king: “I’d love for you to take on more, because I’m looking at the whole Gaza Strip right now, and it’s a mess. It’s a real mess.”

Fox News Digital’s Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Ukrainian beauty queen melts the ice between Trump and Zelensky

Ukrainian Beauty Queen Plays Key Role in Easing Tensions Between Trump and Zelensky

Volodymyr Zelensky managed to win favor with Donald Trump by connecting over…
Family of warrant suspect says friend ‘didn’t need to die’ in Oceanway officer-involved shooting

Tragic Oceanway Shooting: Family Questions Unnecessary Use of Force in Warrant Suspect’s Death

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reports that during a confrontation, Alan Rush engaged…
What are federal child care funds? What to know amid planned funding freeze

Exploring Federal Child Care Funds: Key Insights as Funding Freeze Looms

The Trump administration has announced a nationwide suspension of child care funding…
Jake Paul's gushy birthday post to fiancée Jutta Leerdam after Olympic trials crash

Jake Paul Shares Heartfelt Birthday Tribute to Fiancée Jutta Leerdam Following Her Olympic Trials Setback

Jake Paul took to social media to express a heartfelt birthday message…
Disney World cast member injured after massive boulder prop veers off track at Indiana Jones stunt show

Disney World Incident: Indiana Jones Stunt Show’s Boulder Prop Mishap Injures Cast Member

An unexpected incident unfolded at Disney World’s renowned Indiana Jones stunt show…
No fireworks this New Year's Eve in Baker County amid burn ban, officials say

Baker County Cancels New Year’s Eve Fireworks Due to Burn Ban

In Baker County, officials have announced a strict prohibition on all forms…
NFL rules on Stefon Diggs, Christian Barmore's statuses for Sunday

NFL Announces Game Day Decisions for Stefon Diggs and Christian Barmore

New England Patriots players Stefon Diggs and Christian Barmore are both set…
Why my first meeting with Rob Reiner changed my life forever

How One Encounter with Rob Reiner Transformed My Career and Perspective

My first encounter with Rob Reiner took place on a bustling red…