Deal reached to release hostage and allow Palestinians to return to north Gaza

Displaced Palestinians wait to return to their homes in northern Gaza (Mohammad Abu Samra/AP)

Mediator Qatar has announced that an agreement has been reached to release an Israeli civilian hostage and allow Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, easing the first major crisis of the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Qatar’s statement said Hamas will hand over the civilian hostage, Arbel Yehoud, along with two other hostages before Friday. And on Monday, Israeli authorities will allow Palestinians to return to northern Gaza.