Decision on where to send the prisoners is coordinated with Israel, officials tell ToI; Hamas said to vow Fatah and PFLP terror chiefs will be released in ceasefire's 2nd phase

Qatar announced early Monday 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.

Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians began returning home to northern Gaza on Monday, bracing for what awaits them in a region that has been reduced to rubble by months of brutal bombardment and fighting.