GAZA: Ten thousand of Palestinians pour onto main roads as Israel eases restrictions after Hamas hostage deal.
Ten thousand of Palestinians began pouring out of Gaza on Monday as Israel lifted roadblocks on main highways leading north, following a breakthrough in negotiations with the militant group Hamas. In a significant development, Hamas agreed to release two female Israeli hostages, including Arbel Yehud, paving the way for a potential easing of the long-standing Gaza blockade.
Large crowds on the move and witnesses said, the first residents arrived in Gaza City in the early morning after the first crossing point in central Gaza opened at 7.00 a.m (0500 GMT). Another crossing was due to open at 9.00 a.m.
As news that the crossings would be opened filtered out, thousands of displaced families burst in cheers at shelters and tent encampments.
“No sleep, I have everything packed and ready to go with the first light of day,” said Ghada, a mother of five.
“At least we are going back home, now I can say war is over and I hope it will stay calm,” she told Reuters via a chat app.
Under the terms of the ceasefire agreement, residents of northern Gaza were due to return at the weekend but Israel said that Hamas had broken the deal by failing to release civilian hostage Yehud and kept the crossings closed.
