Arbel Yehoud and Agam Berger among six hostages due for release this week

Six hostages including Arbel Yehoud and Agam Berger will be released this week as Palestinians return to the north of Gaza following a breakthrough in negotiations last night between a rowing Israel and Hamas.

The terror group’s failure to release Yehoud, a civilian, on Saturday alongside the four freed female IDF soldiers sparked outrage in Jerusalem.

Officials complained that Hamas had broken the terms of the ceasefire deal by failing to free civilians first and, in turn, blocked the northbound route from southern Gaza, preventing displaced Palestinians from returning.

But a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office on Sunday evening confirmed that a deal had been reached, securing the release of six hostages this week.

Yehud, IDF soldier Berger and one more hostage will all be released on Thursday, followed by three more on Saturday.

In exchange, hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians began returning to the northern part of the Strip through the Netzarim Corridor on Monday.

The PMO also confirmed that Hamas had sent a list detailing the conditions of the remaining hostages in Gaza, set to be released in the 42-day first phase of the ceasefire.

A spokesperson said a deal had been reached with Hamas on Sunday after “strong and determined negotiations,” adding that Israel would “not tolerate any violation of the agreement”.

It comes after hostages Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag were handed over to the Red Cross after 477 days in captivity on Saturday.

In return, 200 Palestinian prisoners, including some convicted of terror offences, were freed.