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Thirty-three hostages are set to be released in the ceasefire's first phase.

Last Updated: February 1, 2025, 1:26 PM EST

Many residents of northern Gaza and southern Lebanon are expected to return to their homes in the coming days and weeks, with most of the fighting in both areas paused under Israeli ceasefire agreements with Hamas and Hezbollah.

Under Israel's multi-phased deal with Hamas, some hostages held in the Gaza Strip and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have started to be released. Negotiations between Israel and Hamas are expected to continue amid the first phase of the deal, which was slated to last about six weeks.

Jan 27, 2025, 2:59 PM EST

At least 300,000 return to northern Gaza

At least 300,000 Palestinians returned home to northern Gaza on Monday, according to the Gaza government office, after Israel allowed them to cross into the north for the first time in over a year.

Displaced Gazans walk towards Gaza City on January 27, 2025, after crossing the Netzarim corridor from the southern Gaza Strip.
AFP via Getty Images

PHOTO: Palestinians, who were displaced to the south at Israel's order during the war, wait to head back to their homes in northern Gaza by vehicle through Salahudeen Road in the central Gaza Strip, Jan. 27, 2025.
Palestinians, who were displaced to the south at Israel's order during the war, wait to head back to their homes in northern Gaza by vehicle through Salahudeen Road, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in the central Gaza Strip, Jan. 27, 2025.
Hatem Khaled/Reuters

A displaced family rides on the back of a vehicle with their belongings as they cross the Netzarim corridor from the southern Gaza Strip into the northern part on January 27, 2025.
Eyad Baba/AFP via Getty Images

Jan 27, 2025, 11:52 AM EST

135,000 tents needed in Gaza

As people return to northern Gaza on Monday, the Gaza government said it "immediately and urgently" needs at least 135,000 tents because 90% of the buildings have been destroyed.

The government called on the international community to help provide "basic supplies" for Palestinians.

An aerial photograph taken by a drone shows displaced Palestinians gathering with their belongings near a roadblock on the al Rashid Street, as they wait to return to their homes in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, Jan. 26, 2025.
Jehad Alshrafi/AP

Jan 27, 2025, 11:47 AM EST

8 dead hostages among 33 being released in 1st phase: Israel

Of the 33 Israeli hostages set to be released during the first phase of the ceasefire, eight have been killed by Hamas, according to Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer.

Seven hostages have already been released since the start of the ceasefire, meaning 18 more living hostages will be released by Hamas in the coming weeks.

More hostages are set to be released on Thursday and Saturday, Mencer said.

Demonstrators protest calling for the immediate release of the hostages held in the Gaza Strip by the Hamas militant group in Tel Aviv, Israel, Jan. 25, 2025.
Ohad Zwigenberg/AP

Jan 27, 2025, 5:20 AM EST

Threats to ceasefire will 'bear the full cost,' Israeli minister says

Israel Katz, the Israeli defense minister, said on Monday that his country would "firmly" enforce the ceasefires that have paused fighting in Gaza.

"Anyone who violates the rules or threatens IDF forces will bear the full cost," he said in Hebrew on social media. "We will not allow a return to the reality of Oct. 7."

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